OnStar Changes Policy After Sen. Schumer Voices Privacy Concerns

ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Following harsh criticism over privacy issues from New York Senator Chuck Schumer and others, OnStar is changing its policies.

The automobile communication service, which is used by 6 million Americans, says it will no longer maintain a two-way connection with customers even after the service is discontinued.

Schumer had raised privacy issues over the company keeping former customers connected and collecting data on driving habits during a Sunday news conference.

OnStar said it made the change because of customers' concerns. Customers will also no longer have to specifically "opt out" of the data collection system once they discontinue service.

OnStar's President, Linda Marshall, said the service regrets the concerns raised by its recent policy change and decided to reverse it.

On Sunday, Schumer called OnStar's previous policy "one of the most brazen invasions of privacy in recent memory." He had sought a federal investigation.

Tuesday, the senator released a statement, saying that OnStar's decision was "the right one and sets a good precedent for the future."

This announcement puts decisions about personal privacy back where they belong, in the hands of individuals," Schumer's statement read. " I applaud their responsiveness to our concerns."

Do you use OnStar? What do you think about the decision?  Share your thoughts in the comments section...