Of Course General Motors Has New In-Cabin Camera Technology
General Motors is expanding the camera capabilities of its vehicles through over-the-air (OTA) software updates, unleashing new cabin monitoring and security recording tools without requiring a trip to the dealership.
The wireless software update introduces three main features—Cabin Glance, Surround Vision Recorder, and Security Recording—to a growing list of vehicles across the Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC lineups.
How GM's New Camera Features Work
The update builds off the existing factory-installed camera hardware to give drivers better visibility both inside and outside the vehicle:
Cabin Glance
Uses an overhead console camera inside the cabin to project a live video stream of the second and third rows onto the central touchscreen display. Designed as a digital alternative to aftermarket rear-seat baby mirrors, it functions strictly as a live feed without saving video or audio recordings.
“We wanted to add flexibility to monitor the back seat without turning away from the road, which is dangerous,” GM group product manager for camera features Angelica Wilson told the Detroit Free Press. “Our customers have been asking for this. There’s an aftermarket industry catering to this.”
Surround Vision Recorder
Transforms the exterior camera array into an active dashcam system. While the vehicle is running, it continuously loops footage from external views for up to two hours before overwriting old clips. A red icon on the infotainment display indicates when recording is active, and the system records video only without audio capture.
Security Recording
Acts as an automated event recorder linked to the vehicle's alarm. If the alarm triggers while parked, the system uses all available internal and external cameras to capture a brief video burst of the incident, similar to Tesla's Sentry mode.
To use either recording feature, owners must plug a personal USB flash drive into the vehicle's data port. GM confirmed that video files remain stored locally on the owner's drive and are not transmitted to or accessed by GM servers.
GM's Privacy Track Record Should Be Considered
The opt-in software download is expected to grow across GM's portfolio, with additional 2027 models scheduled to receive similar camera updates.
The rollout comes at an interesting time for automotive data privacy. In January 2025, the Federal Trade Commission cited GM and OnStar over allegations regarding the sharing of driver location and telematics data with insurance providers without clear consent, proposing strict bans on data sharing without explicit permission.
While GM addresses privacy concerns for these camera features by keeping video storage local on physical USB drives, the company's track record with customer data should make everyone think twice before opting in. Remember, folks, this is the company that said driving and privacy don't mix. Just ask the company about Wejo...
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, went over the wall during the Rolex 24, and wrenched in the intense IndyCar paddock.
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In cabin camera technology. A step towards what Europe is doing.
Just what we need, more privacy intrusion so GM can profit from your daily life. You are no longer the customer that is supposed to be respected, you have become the product to sell.