At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, carmakers were happy to demonstrate the technology in their vehicles.

Safety features and dashboard apps are just the beginning, according to a recent article from NPR.

Google has deals with several automakers to include its Android operating system in their cars by the end of the year, the story says. It will offer drivers apps and open the possibility that Google may be able to target ads to drivers or alert them to nearby shops and restaurants, NPR says.

It also means Google will be able to track drivers. But the NPR story says that's already happening with anyone who has an onboard navigation system, such as GM's OnStar or Ford's Sync.

Newer cars also have onboard data recorders, like the so-called black boxes on airplanes. Our speed, direction and whether we're wearing a seat belt are fed into the recorder and continuously updated, NPR notes.

This information is useful in an accident, but it's unclear who can access it. For more information on auto data trails, read the story at NPR.org.

Special Reports /

Who has Access to Cars' Data Trails?

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