Modern vehicles are no longer purely mechanical systems. Today’s cars are highly connected digital platforms equipped with embedded SIM cards, cloud connectivity, advanced telematics, remote diagnostics, over-the-air updates, and app-based user interfaces.
As a result, vehicles are becoming part of the broader communications ecosystem — and this evolution has important implications for law enforcement authorities.
The Rise of the Connected Vehicle
Connected vehicles continuously exchange data with:
- Automotive OEM backend systems
- Telematics service platforms
- Navigation and traffic service providers
- Emergency call systems (eCall)
- Mobile applications linked to vehicle owners
- Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) infrastructure
This connectivity enhances safety, convenience, and efficiency. At the same time, it creates new categories of data that may become relevant in criminal investigations and lawful disclosure scenarios.
Vehicles are no longer just physical objects at a crime scene — they are increasingly digital evidence platforms.
Why Connected Vehicle Data Matters
In many investigations, law enforcement authorities may require access to vehicle-related data such as:
- Historical or real-time vehicle location
- Subscriber or owner identification information
- Telematics event data
- Remote command logs
- Communication records between vehicle and backend systems
Such data can be crucial in cases involving:
- Organized crime
- Terrorism investigations
- Vehicle theft
- Missing persons
- Serious traffic incidents
- Cross-border investigations
When legally authorized, access to connected vehicle data can significantly enhance investigative capabilities.
The Role of Vehicle Manufacturers and Service Providers
Unlike traditional telecommunications interception — where operators provide standardized lawful interception interfaces — connected vehicle data is often controlled by:
- Automotive manufacturers (OEMs)
- Telematics providers
- Cloud service operators
- Mobility platform providers
In many scenarios, law enforcement authorities must engage directly with vehicle manufacturers or their service partners to request data disclosure.
This introduces operational and regulatory challenges, including:
- Clear legal processes
- Secure data handover mechanisms
- Standardized technical interfaces
- Multi-jurisdiction coordination
- Data protection and compliance safeguards
Insights from ETSI TR 103 854
The ETSI Technical Report TR 103 854 provides valuable insight into lawful interception and disclosure scenarios involving connected vehicles.
The document outlines multiple use cases and highlights how vehicle communications fit into the broader lawful interception framework. It addresses topics such as:
- Identification of relevant stakeholders
- Access to vehicle-generated data
- Communication flows between vehicles and backend systems
- Cross-border cooperation challenges
- Alignment with ETSI and 3GPP lawful interception architectures
ETSI TR 103 854 demonstrates that connected cars must be considered part of the evolving lawful interception landscape.
Preparing for Future Requirements
As connectivity becomes standard across vehicle fleets worldwide, lawful access to vehicle-related data will increasingly require:
- Standards-compliant mediation platforms
- Secure and auditable handover processes
- Clear operational procedures between OEMs and authorities
- Integration with existing lawful interception management systems
The automotive sector is becoming an important stakeholder within the lawful access ecosystem.
Organizations supporting lawful interception, mediation, and compliance must be prepared to address these emerging connected-vehicle scenarios in a structured, secure, and standards-aligned manner.
Conclusion
Connected cars are transforming mobility — and they are also transforming investigations.
Understanding the technical and operational implications of vehicle connectivity is essential for regulators, operators, manufacturers, and law enforcement agencies alike.
ETSI TR 103 854 provides an important framework for understanding these new use cases and preparing for the next phase of lawful interception in the connected vehicle era.