OnStar equipped vouyerism?

[Mo_Gearhead]

I tacked this question onto another thread and had no response so...

Who has a vehicle with the OnStar option? Does a light come on when you are chatting with the operator to indicate a 'open mike'? I know they can initiate the conversation to a vehicle, correct?

I envision bored dispatchers/operators sitting for long hours alone, switching on cars at random, just to "listen in" on what conversations may be taking place in vehicles.

Can this be done?

[stomachmonkey]

In my GM anytime the On Star is activated the radio gets automatically muted.

[TheMentat]

It's my understaning that law enforcement can use OnStar to listen in on conversations (presumably with a warrant). That suggests to me that there is a way for it to be used covertly.

[p911dad]

We have used onstar for at least 5 years, and an operator has never started a conversation in our experience. No light ever comes on(there is no light) You need to either have a wreck(a motion sensor triggers the call) or push the blue"OnStar" button to activate a direct operator response. The white button initiates a calling sequence, either from a spoken voice/number recognition, or from a stored directory(ie, "call Jeff"). It is certainly expensive compared to cell phones, but is very handy. We have the lowest level of service, which gives a hands free phone and emergency help if you need it. Also, my wife likes it, so that's that.

[Oracle]

My understanding is that new GMs have digital only hardware and that one autmatically mutes the radio and slows the Fan speed
The hardware is basically a cellphone so it needs to acknowledge the call.

I doubt they can listen without you knowing. But maybe I'm naive..

[Racerbvd]

Big Brother, I don't trust it!! Anyone who can remotely unlock your car can lock you in, so why couldn't they listen in???

[Neilk]

I wonder if the Feds can listen in through a regular cellphone without you knowing?

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by Neilk

I wonder if the Feds can listen in through a regular cellphone without you knowing?

Yes

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Neilk

I wonder if the Feds can listen in through a regular cellphone without you knowing?

With a court order, yes. In many cases they can actually activate the mic on a cell phone without you placing a call and listen. Scary stuff. Of course, they would be bored out of their minds if they tapped into mine.

Something else about OnStar, it requires a subscription. If you don't subscribe, it's like a cell phone without service. We have it on our SRX, but don't pay the fee. I have no use for it.

[m21sniper]

Originally Posted by Neilk

I wonder if the Feds can listen in through a regular cellphone without you knowing?

Yes. They took down a whole mob ring that way not long ago. All new phones with GPS can be used to track you at all times, and the feds/cops can also turn on your microphone without your knowledge- remotely. The only way to prevent it is to take out the battery. Nothing lights up on your phone, so you'd have no idea they were listening in until you read the indictment....

Hey sheeple, say baaaaaaa.

[VINMAN]

This is why i hate all this new technology.

I'm just an analog guy in a digital world....