05:28 22-01-2026

Security and data privacy risks with Chinese electric vehicles

Learn about security and data privacy risks tied to Chinese-made EVs, including data collection threats for sensitive areas and private owners. Authorities are monitoring closely.

Stefan Kramer, president of the Thuringia Office for the Protection of the Constitution, has warned about security and data privacy risks tied to Chinese-made electric vehicles. He explained that the threat lies less in "classical espionage" and more in the mass collection and transmission of information, with the level of risk depending on who uses such cars and where.

Kramer noted that the highest risk applies to sensitive areas like the armed forces, police, critical infrastructure, and government agency surroundings. Even transmitting location data to external IT systems or cloud services could be problematic in these contexts.

For companies with sensitive development and research activities, the risk is assessed as medium to high, especially if the vehicle regularly visits R&D facilities, is used by executives, or serves as a mobile meeting space. For private owners, Kramer described the threat level as moderate: data leaks are unpleasant but rarely critical.

He emphasized that the issue isn't limited to Chinese brands, as modern electric vehicles overall are becoming "computers on wheels" capable of collecting movement data, cabin information via cameras and microphones, smartphone details, driving style, and sensor data from driver-assistance systems. Against this backdrop, with Chinese brands gaining market share in Europe, authorities have stated they will monitor the situation closely.