I understand it’s an issue with the software and that it could collect data such as tracking users via GPS, but how would that information get transmitted back to the Chinese and how would they use that data? I do understand the privacy concern, but how is that a security threat for the country?
I saw an interview with the Commerce Secretary today and she said that they (the Chinese) would also have the ability to shut off EVs at will. How would that work?
A lot of people are saying the conversation is just a ruse because the American Auto Industry fears low-cost Chinese EVs. We already have section 301 tariffs in place for Chinese goods so I don’t know that I buy that argument 100%.
In: Technology
If the EVs are controlled by computers, and China can change the code for those computers via wireless connection, then it can be a massive security risk. China could potentially do things like disable all the cars, disable safety features on the cars, access the microphones used to make calls, access cameras in or on the cars, know who owns each car and where each car is (and has ever been), know the phone number and full contact list and each call made using a cell phone via the car’s bluetooth connection, etc.
So, not only could China potentially physically harm people, the data they collect could be used for nefarious purposes. When you know all about a Congressman’s secret affair, or that a well-respected conservative preacher has a teenage boyfriend (unbeknownst to his congregation–or his wife and three kids), or a scientist working on cutting-edge drone tech sometimes looks at naked young girls on the dark web, that information can be used to coerce or blackmail people. And *that* is perhaps the biggest security concern about allowing a foreign government to spy on American citizens through their own vehicles.
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