Millions of motorists in modern vehicles face being unwittingly tracked by Big Brother technology that records their every move and even phone calls, motoring groups have warned.

Modern cars have become so high-tech and connected - with satnav, Bluetooth and wi- fi - that they collect details of the time, place and speed of every mile travelled.

They log phone calls, music played and downloaded, average fuel consumption and can tell you when a car is ready for its service.

But the AA, RAC and other motoring groups fear a lack of control over who can handle this information compromises people's privacy and civil liberties. It's a fear that has been voiced before in relation to anyone who fails to use the 'privacy' settings on their mobile phones.

But in-car electronic systems have no privacy settings. So this week the AA launched a campaign to prevent real-time electronic data from car onboard systems being abused. They want to prevent data being controlled by a small number of businesses who have access to it.

A spokesman for the AA said: 'The modern car is increasingly able to transmit data about its whereabouts, condition, activities and use. However, there is huge concern that the firms who manufacture and supply the equipment will try to control the data and its use, putting their interests ahead of consumers.'