The technology infrastructure enabling the collection and sale of drivers' precise geolocation and behavioral data heightens the risk of invasive surveillance practices. This data misuse, by turning everyday driving information into a commodity for third parties, directly contributes to systems that could be exploited for authoritarian control.

FTC bans GM from sharing driving data to settle claims that the automaker sold data without consent

The misuse of connected vehicle technology to collect and sell precise geolocation and driving behaviour data without clear consumer consent raises serious concerns about surveillance and the ethical deployment of automotive technology.

FTC Takes Action Against General Motors for Sharing Drivers’ Precise Location and Driving Behavior Data Without Consent

The deployment of vehicle tracking technology and the incorporation of manipulative dark design patterns in obtaining customer consent indicate a disregard for digital privacy, undermining trust and contributing to a surveillance environment.

U.S. Senators Ask FTC To Investigate GM Driving Data Sharing

The report highlights serious ethical concerns regarding GM's supply chain management, alleging potential complicity in forced labor practices in the Xinjiang region. This directly implicates supply chain ethics, as the use of forced labor represents a grave violation of human rights and undermines ethical business responsibility. GM's response, although acknowledging the issue, does not negate the underlying risk, warranting a highly negative score.

GM China's Supply Chain May Be Using Uyghur Forced Labor

General Motors provided a written response asserting its commitment to due diligence regarding forced labor risks in its supply chain. While this public statement signals a willingness to address supply chain ethics, the response falls short of concrete actions or transparency, particularly given its limited control over joint ventures sourcing aluminum from high-risk regions. This mixed but moderately positive step earns a modest positive score within the Supply Chain Ethics category.

Asleep at the Wheel: Car Companies' Complicity in Forced Labor in China

GM's admission of limited control over its Chinese joint ventures highlights a failure to ensure that the supply chains, particularly for materials such as aluminum, are free from forced labor. This inadequate oversight directly impacts labor rights and human rights practices, reflecting a troubling neglect of ethical responsibilities in the company's business operations.

Asleep at the Wheel: Car Companies' Complicity in Forced Labor in China

Human Rights Watch has linked aluminum used in car parts to forced labor practices in China, placing companies like General Motors at risk of being complicit in unethical supply chain practices. This is particularly concerning given the broader context of forced labor exploitation, reflecting poorly on corporate ethical responsibility.

Rights group warns major carmakers over risk of forced labor in China supply chains

The announcement of an accelerated stock repurchase program and increased dividend, while stabilizing earnings guidance, reflects a prioritization of shareholder value over reinvestment in labor or broader societal responsibilities. This financial maneuver may undermine longer-term investments in worker welfare, undercutting progressive economic policies.

GM Reveals $1.1 Billion Labor Strike Hit, Reinstates Earnings Guidance

The ratification of the UAW contract following a prolonged strike demonstrates a break from oppressive labor practices and a commitment to worker welfare. The inclusion of major wage increases and additional benefits is a positive step in supporting labor rights, aligning with anti-fascist and pro-worker values.

GM-UAW Labor Contract Ratified

The approved labor deal, resulting in wage increases and improved benefits, reinforces protections for workers. This development is a progressive move in labor relations, countering authoritarian and exploitative practices by strengthening union influence and worker rights.

GM rank and file ratify labor deal, ending threat of a renewed strike - CNN

Workers at GM plants, including the plant that manufactures GMC vehicles like the Acadia, have rejected the tentative contract due to insufficient wage growth and pension provisions. This outcome demonstrates a significant failure in addressing worker rights and fair labor practices, thereby reinforcing concerns about corporate exploitation and worker marginalization.

Why GM, UAW might have to go back to the negotiating table

GM’s outlined measures to verify workers' ages and enforce compliance with ILO standards reflect robust supply chain ethics. By requiring its suppliers to adopt similar practices and instituting remediation protocols, GM is actively working to eliminate exploitative labour practices, contributing to a positive ethical supply chain framework.

Response from General Motors to allegations of child labour in its supply chain

GM’s response to the Senate inquiry by emphasizing active monitoring of its global supply chain and the inclusion of strict supplier contracts against forced labor signals a commitment to ethical sourcing. While the inquiry and union calls for additional measures underscore the high-risk nature of supply chain practices in relation to forced labor, the company’s proactive stance in enforcing supplier standards is a positive step against authoritarian labor practices.

Senate Asks GM If Part Supply Linked To Chinese Forced Labor

The donation of $47,000 to lawmakers who voted against certifying the 2020 election results signals corporate support for political actors whose actions have been linked to undermining democratic norms. This behavior aligns with broader concerns about corporate contributions bolstering anti-democratic or authoritarian behavior. Given the context of increasing political polarization and the subsequent targeting by progressive groups, this act is evaluated negatively from an anti-fascist, progressive perspective.

PAC targets GM for giving to Republicans who voted to overturn election

By halting political contributions following the tumult at the U.S. Capitol, GM is taking a proactive stance to reexamine its political funding practices. This decision limits the corporation’s direct financial influence over political figures and signals a commitment to ensuring that any future donations support candidates who adhere to values counter to authoritarian influence.

General Motors Suspends All Political Contributions For Now

The article highlights GM's substantial lobbying expenditures, including $2.6 million and $10.9 million in different periods, which when combined with targeted political donations, indicate a strategic effort to influence regulatory frameworks. This approach can contribute to regulatory capture, where corporate interests overshadow public accountability.

General Motors Donates To Politicians Who Voted Against Auto Industry Bailout