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Talking Cars 516: Is Your Car Getting a 'Kill Switch' in 2027?

Plus, the podcast panels discuss whether more in-car technology makes the roads less safe

Main theme: We’ve seen a lot of chatter online about a “car surveillance law” that is supposed to go into effect in 2027. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, but given the concerns over vehicle privacy and roadway deaths, it’s easy to see why the topic is getting so much attention.

Our experts break down what’s really happening, what’s misinformation, and why car buyers shouldn’t expect to see any so-called federally mandated kill switches any time soon.

Read: “No, Your Car Isn’t Getting a ‘Kill Switch’ in 2027.”

Audience question: Are safety features making drivers less safe? Do features like adaptive cruise control and lane centering encourage drivers to use their phones? Our safety experts dig into what the research says.

Talking Cars 516 panel
“Talking Cars” panelists (from left): Keith Barry, Maddie McCarty, and Mike Crossen.

Photo: Consumer Reports Photo: Consumer Reports

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Talking Cars

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Keith Barry

Keith Barry has been an auto reporter at Consumer Reports since 2018. He focuses on safety, technology, and the environmental impact of cars. Previously, he led home and appliance coverage at Reviewed; reported on cars for USA Today, Wired, and Car & Driver; and wrote for other publications as well. Keith earned a master’s degree in public health from Tufts University. Follow him on BlueSky @itskeithbarry.bsky.social.