Rivian Expands Autonomy Features, Data Controls Ahead of Major Platform Updates

JULY 24th, 2025

Rivian Expands Autonomy Features, Data Controls Ahead of Major Platform Updates

🧠 Universal Hands-Free Coming to Gen2 Vehicles

During a recent video Q&A, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe confirmed that universal hands-free driving is on the roadmap for Gen2 R1T and R1S vehicles—enabled by the same hardware powering the current Enhanced Highway Assist system. This upcoming upgrade is expected to be shown in greater detail during Rivian’s long-awaited Autonomy Day event, likely taking place later this year.

The Gen2 hardware stack includes advanced cameras, radar, and a more powerful onboard compute platform—paving the way for features like:

• Full hands-free driving on compatible roads
• More intuitive lane positioning in complex environments
• Scalable safety and perception updates via OTA

Scaringe described these upgrades as “just the beginning” for what the Rivian Autonomy Platform is capable of in the coming quarters.

📷 External Camera Data Collection with More Control

Starting with software update 2025.46, Rivian is updating how it collects exterior camera images from Gen2 vehicles to help improve features like:

• Low-speed parking assist
• Traffic sign and object recognition
• Active safety responses in real-world environments like parking lots or shopping centers

To protect driver privacy, Rivian has introduced a location-based filtering system that ensures images are not captured at your personal or sensitive locations.

How It Works:

• If you’ve saved locations in your Navigation app (like Home, Work, or Favorites), the first and last 3 minutes of your drive will be excluded from exterior image collection at those locations
• If no locations are saved, the system blocks collection at the start and end of every drive by default.
• Want to opt out entirely? You can disable camera data sharing in Settings → Data and Privacy → Exterior Cameras Data Sharing.

💡 Rivian also reiterated that any camera images collected are not tied to your VIN, name, email, or account—all data is anonymized and used solely for feature development.

🔐 Privacy First, Autonomy Second

Rivian is threading a careful line between pushing cutting-edge autonomy features and respecting driver privacy. By giving owners greater transparency and opt-out capabilities, the company is demonstrating that you don’t have to trade trust for technology.

As the 2025.46 update rolls out and Autonomy Day approaches, Rivian drivers can expect even more functionality from their Gen2 vehicles—delivered with data controls that are clear, accessible, and customizable.

Source: Rivian