Tesla has started rolling out its latest 2026.20 software update, and while the first wave has only reached a small percentage of vehicles so far, owners are already discovering several new features focused on privacy and security.
Among the most notable additions is a new “Dashcam Clip Encryption” feature, which quietly appeared after the update was installed despite not being mentioned in Tesla’s official release notes.
The feature automatically encrypts Dashcam and Sentry Mode recordings stored on the vehicle’s USB drive, adding an extra layer of privacy protection for owners. According to Tesla’s description inside the vehicle software:
“Dashcam clips are now stored in encrypted form on your USB flash drive for privacy reasons. Only your vehicle can view them.
To decrypt clips, tap the lock icon in the Dashcam app or visit dashcam.tesla.com. To disable encryption, go to Vehicle > Safety > Encrypt Dashcam Recordings.”
The change means that if someone removes the USB drive from the vehicle, the recorded footage cannot simply be plugged into another computer and viewed directly without first being decrypted. For owners concerned about privacy or unauthorized access to footage, the feature could become an important security upgrade.
The 2026.20 update also expands Tesla’s Parental Controls functionality. Owners can now restrict access to several entertainment and internet-related apps directly from the vehicle interface.
Under the updated controls, drivers can block access to the internet browse, Tesla Theater, and Tesla Arcade.
The new restrictions can be enabled by navigating to Controls > Safety > Parental Controls while the vehicle is parked. Once activated, the blocked applications appear greyed out in the interface and cannot be launched.
While Tesla vehicles have long offered PIN-to-drive and speed limit controls, this latest expansion is aimed at giving parents more oversight over younger drivers using the vehicle. While the name makes it appear as though it would only be useful for parents, these features could also prove useful for fleet operators or businesses wanting to limit access to entertainment apps during work use.
Tesla’s 2026.20 update is currently rolling out in limited numbers. As the rollout expands, more hidden features and undocumented changes could still emerge.
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Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Drive Tesla, Darryn covers Tesla, electric vehicles, and clean energy with a focus on Canadian news, policy, and market trends.
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