Xiaomi has just given a global launch to two of its latest flagship phones, the Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra, along with a Leica-branded Leitzphone edition of the Ultra. There’s no sign, however, of the 17 Pro, which launched in China with an additional display mounted next to the rear cameras.
Technology
Is it worth saving money to let a car insurance company track your every move?
As insurance premiums seem to increase frequently, it isn’t a wonder why consumers are looking for ways to lower their rates. Most auto insurance companies offer some sort of discount for safer driving that’s tracked by the insurance company.
This is why we were interested in exploring the question posed by Mary regarding the pros and cons of allowing your insurance company to track your driving in exchange for potentially lower premiums.
“State Farm … provided me with a ‘tracker’ so they can provide safe driver discounts. Am I providing too much information? I started to fill [out] info on the app but stopped. They will give me driving tips/suggestions based on the tracker. What is your opinion on this type of tracker?” — Mary, St. Louis, MO
While most auto insurance companies offer some form of vehicle tracking in exchange for rewarding safe driving, the question most drivers have is whether the benefits outweigh the potential privacy concerns.
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A woman behind the wheel of a car (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What are the car insurance privacy devices?
Though Progressive was the first to introduce a drive and save program, Snapshot, in 1998, many insurance companies followed suit. Instead of plugging in a telematics device to collect driving data, insurance companies are using OnStar and apps on drivers’ mobile devices.
For State Farm, specifically, you have the option of a Bluetooth beacon in tandem with the mobile app or Drive Safe & Save Connected Cars. State Farm is phasing out OnStar for new enrollees.
It’s important to note that there isn’t one set of metrics that all insurance companies collect or use to determine what they consider safe driving. So, if you are considering what information is collected and how your driving will be assessed, it is important to learn the specifics of your particular insurance company.
State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save app (State Farm)
WHAT YOUR CAR KNOWS ABOUT YOU AND COULD BE TELLING THE WORLD
What information is collected?
Though each auto insurance company collects different data points, the common types of data collected include but are not limited to:
- Acceleration rate
- Drive speed
- Braking speed
- Cornering
- Phone distraction
- Total miles driven
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How do usage-based insurance programs work?
Usage-based insurance (UBI) programs, also known as telematics or “pay-as-you-drive” insurance, have gained popularity among major insurers as a way to offer personalized premiums based on individual driving behavior. These programs typically work as follows:
Enrollment: Drivers opt into the program, usually in exchange for an initial discount.
Data collection: The insurance company provides either a plug-in device for your car’s OBD-II port or a smartphone app to track your driving.
Monitoring period: Your driving is monitored for a set period, often 3-6 months.
Data analysis: The insurer analyzes the collected data to assess your driving habits.
Premium adjustment: Based on the analysis, your premium may be adjusted. Safe drivers often see a reduction in their rates.
Different insurers offer various programs with unique features:
State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save: Uses a mobile app with a Bluetooth beacon or built-in telematics in select vehicles.
Progressive’s Snapshot: One of the pioneers in UBI, offering both a plug-in device and mobile app option.
Allstate’s Drivewise: Uses a mobile app to track driving behavior and offer rewards.
Geico’s DriveEasy: A mobile app-based program that monitors driving habits.
Liberty Mutual’s RightTrack: Offers a choice between a plug-in device or mobile app.
It’s important to note that while these programs can lead to significant savings for safe drivers, they may result in higher premiums for those deemed higher risk. Additionally, availability and specific features can vary by state due to differing insurance regulations.
Before enrolling in any UBI program, carefully review the terms and conditions, paying special attention to what data is collected, how it’s used and how it might affect your premiums in both the short and long term.
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What are the concerns?
It isn’t just the type of collected information that is a privacy concern. Many insurance companies have privacy policies that allow them to share your data with third parties. While State Farm says that it will not sell your Drive Safe & Save data, it does share some information with third parties.
Data sharing associated with Accident Assistance for Drive Safe & Save is with the driver’s consent and intended to enhance the customer experience. For example, if needed, State Farm may share the vehicle location with a tow company and law enforcement if you are in a disabled vehicle. Additionally, if you are in a car accident, your insurance company may use your tracking data to assist with a claim.
Your idea of safe driving may differ from your insurance company’s. Some drivers have even seen their rates rise after using drive-tracking programs. It’s not just the insurance company that may have access to your driving information. With State Farm, named policyholders can see all trips recorded on all devices for the last 30 days.
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Illustration of an insurance policy and how you should scrutinize it (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
HOW YOUR CAR MIGHT BE SELLING YOU OUT TO INSURERS
What are the benefits?
While the specific amount of discount depends on the insurance company and driver, State Farm, for example, claims that those enrolled in its Drive Safe & Save program can initially save 10% by enrolling in the program with up to a 30% discount possible.
It is important to note that the percentage you can save may be capped in certain states, such as New York, where the discount is capped at 30%. This program is unavailable in states such as California, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. If you don’t drive much and drive safely, it can be a way to reduce your payments with your auto insurance company. With data being logged about your driving safety, it can be a great learning tool to accurately assess your driving habits.
Illustration of drivers on the road (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Kurt’s key takeaways
Mary was spot on in pausing to contemplate the benefits and potential problems of allowing driving to be tracked by an insurance company. It’s important to weigh the potential benefits, such as possible discounts, against these privacy concerns. If you feel any discomfort or concern about the data they are collecting and how it is being used, this program offered by your insurance company might not be right for you. If you are already using a tracker and are uncomfortable, you should contact your insurance provider for guidance on removing the feature or app and your associated data.
Remember, it’s always crucial to read and understand the terms and conditions before using any app, especially those that collect personal data. It’s your data, and you have the right to know how it’s being used.
Are you part of any insurance tracking program? Do you feel the benefits outweigh the privacy concerns? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
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Polymarket has been allowing people to bet on when the US would strike Iran next. Obviously, now that it’s actually happened and people have died, the prediction betting market is feeling some pressure. The site has been at the center of controversy before, including suspicions of insider trading on the Super Bowl halftime show and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
In a statement posted on its site, Polymarket defended its decision to allow betting on the potential start of a war, saying that it was an “invaluable” source of news and answers, before taking shots at traditional media and Elon Musk’s X. The statement reads:
…
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Google has officially discontinued its Dark Web Report feature, a free tool that once scanned known dark web breach dumps for personal information tied to a user’s Google account. The service delivered notifications when email addresses and other identifiers appeared in leaked datasets.
According to Google’s support page, the system ceased scanning for new dark web data Jan. 15, 2026, and the reporting function was removed entirely on Feb. 16, 2026, meaning users can no longer access the feature.
The company said the decision reflects a shift toward security tools it believes provide clearer guidance after exposure, rather than standalone scan alerts.
If you previously relied on the free dark web scan as an early warning signal for leaked data, this change removes one of your sources.
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Google officially ended its Dark Web Report tool, removing free breach alerts tied to user accounts. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
So what did users really lose?
Google’s Dark Web Report acted as a basic exposure scanner. It checked whether personal information linked to a Google account had surfaced in known breach collections circulating on the dark web.
When a match is found, users receive a notification identifying which type of data appeared in a leak. Depending on the data breach, that could include an email address, phone number, date of birth or other identifying details commonly harvested during large-scale hacks.
The report did not display stolen credentials or provide access to the leaked database itself. It also did not trace the origin of the compromise beyond referencing the breached service when available.
After an alert was issued, the next steps were left to the user. Google recommended actions such as changing passwords, enabling stronger authentication methods and reviewing account security settings. With the tool now removed, that automated breach check tied directly to a Google account is no longer available.
What you still have access to
Google directs users to its Security Checkup, a dashboard that scans your account for weak settings and unusual sign-in activity.
Its built-in Password Manager includes Password Checkup, which scans saved credentials against known breach databases and prompts you to change exposed passwords. Google also supports passkeys and two-factor verification to lock down account access.
The Results About You tool lets users search for personal information in Google Search and submit removal requests for certain publicly indexed details.
149 MILLION PASSWORDS EXPOSED IN MASSIVE CREDENTIAL LEAK
Without the automatic scan, users must now check for leaked data using other security tools. (iStock)
Alerts don’t always mean protection
Once personal information is compromised, it often ends up far beyond the breach itself. Stolen credentials and identity data are regularly trafficked on underground platforms where buyers can search for information tied to real people.
The BidenCash dark web marketplace was taken down by U.S. authorities in June 2025, and the Justice Department confirmed that the platform peddled stolen personal information and credit card data.
These illicit markets operate with a level of organization not unlike legitimate online stores. Search tools and bulk data sets are up for grabs and can be used to target any online account. This makes credential stuffing easier, where attackers test leaked passwords across multiple services in hopes of barreling into your account.
A breach alert tied to a dark web scan points to a leak at one moment in time; it does not follow whether that information has been sold to third parties or used in subsequent fraud attempts. For everyday users, this means that just knowing your data appeared in a leak doesn’t help much.
THINK YOUR NEW YEAR’S PRIVACY RESET WORKED? THINK AGAIN
Stolen personal information can circulate for years, making ongoing monitoring more important than a one-time alert. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Identity monitoring may be a better option
With Google’s scan gone, some people may consider dedicated identity protection services instead. Many of these services offer continuous monitoring of your personally identifiable information and send alerts about changes to your credit reports from all three major U.S. credit bureaus. That can include notifications about new inquiries, newly opened accounts and monthly credit score updates. Some plans also monitor a broader range of personal identifiers, such as driver’s license numbers, passport numbers and email addresses.
Beyond credit monitoring, certain services track linked bank, credit card and investment accounts for unusual activity. They may also monitor public records for changes to addresses or property titles and alert you if your information appears in those filings.
Many providers include identity theft insurance to help cover eligible out-of-pocket recovery costs. Coverage limits vary by plan and provider. Additional features often include spam call and message protection, a password manager, a virtual private network (VPN) and antivirus software.
No service can prevent every form of identity theft. However, ongoing monitoring and recovery support can make it easier to respond quickly if your information is misused.
See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Google’s decision to drop its Dark Web Report may seem small. But it removes a tool many users relied on. For some, those alerts were the first warning that their data appeared in a breach. That automatic scan is now gone. Google still offers Security Checkup, Password Checkup, passkeys and two-step verification. However, none of them actively scan dark web breach dumps for you. Stolen data does not disappear. Criminals copy, sell and reuse it. One alert shows a single moment. Ongoing identity theft monitoring helps you stay aware over time.
Now that Google has dropped its dark web monitoring feature, will you actively check your data exposure or assume someone else is watching it for you? Let us know your thoughts by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Related Article
The 17 and 17 Ultra will apparently be available soon in the UK, Europe, and select other markets. The 17 — pitched as a rival to the likes of the iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S26 — will cost £899 / €999 (about $1,200), while the larger and more capable Ultra starts from £1,299 / €1,499 ($1,750). The limited-edition Leitzphone will be substantially more expensive at £1,699 / €1,999 ($2,300), though it includes 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, along with a few extra accessories.
The 17 is an extremely capable small-ish flagship, with a 6.3-inch OLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and large 6,330mAh silicon-carbon battery (though sadly smaller than the 7,000mAh version launched in China). I won’t be writing a full review of the 17, but did spend a week using it as my main phone, and found that the battery cruised past the full-day mark, though wasn’t quite enough for two full days of my typical usage. That’s far better battery life than you’d find in similarly sized phones from Apple, Samsung, or Google.
The cameras impress too, with 50-megapixel sensors behind each of the four lenses, selfie included. Pound for pound, you won’t find many better camera systems in any phone this size.
1/10
The Ultra, unsurprisingly, takes things to another level. It’s much larger, with a 6.9-inch display, and weighs a hefty 218g. Despite that, the 6,000mAh is actually smaller, though I found it delivered pretty similar longevity.
The enormous camera is, as ever for Xiaomi’s Ultra phones, the highlight. There are 50-megapixel sensors for each of the main, ultrawide, and selfie cameras, with a large 1-inch-type sensor behind the primary lens. The periscope telephoto is even more impressive: 200-megapixel resolution, a large 1/1.4-inch sensor, and continuous optical zoom from 3.2x to 4.3x, the equivalent of 75-100mm. Xiaomi isn’t the first to pull off a true zoom phone — Sony’s Xperia 1 IV got there first in 2022 — but the telephoto camera here is far more capable than that phone’s, with natural bokeh and impressive performance even in low light.
The camera capabilities are supported by Xiaomi’s ongoing photography partner Leica, but it’s the pair’s Leitzphone that really emphasizes that. Slightly redesigned from the 17 Ultra Leica Edition that was released in China last December, this includes Leica branding across the hardware and software, a range of Leica filters and shooting styles, and a rotatable rear camera ring that can be used to control the zoom. It’s the first Leica Leitzphone produced by Xiaomi — after a trio of Japan-only Sharp models — and comes with additional branded accessories, including a case with a lens cap and a microfiber cleaning cloth.
Xiaomi has plenty of other announcements alongside the 17 series phones at MWC this year, including a super-slim magnetic power bank, the Pad 8 and Pad 8 Pro tablets, and a smart tag that supports both Google and Apple’s tech-tracking networks.
Photography by Dominic Preston / The Verge
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