Tesla has reportedly enabled the interior camera in Model 3 and Model Y vehicles to monitor drivers when Autopilot is engaged.
Twitter user @WholeMarsBlog shared photos on Twitter of “Cabin Camera Updates” included in a new software release. The notes say the “cabin camera above the rearview mirror can now detect and alert driver inattentiveness while Autopilot is engaged.”
Additionally, data collected from the camera is not saved or transmitted unless data sharing is enabled.
The feature comes after some criticism of the Autopilot self-driving feature being used irresponsibly. Several videos have been posted on social media of Tesla owners traveling in the backseat without a driver.
Tesla has previously monitored driver attentiveness through sensors in the steering wheel, however many owners have found ways around that safeguard.
The company has not offered any additional info about the cabin camera. It’s expected that the updated Model S and Model X will also receive interior cameras. However, it’s unclear if the cameras will be necessary for the company’s Full Self Driving package and how Tesla will handle FSD cars without cameras.