After F-35 "Kill Switch", Now Europe Perturbed by Chinese "Kill Switch"
5 days ago
- #Geopolitics
- #ElectricVehicles
- #Cybersecurity
- European countries, including Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and the UK, are investigating Chinese electric buses over concerns of a 'kill switch' that could allow remote deactivation by Beijing.
- Norway's probe found that Yutong buses could be remotely accessed and rendered inoperable, though no evidence of misuse was found. The issue stems from over-the-air (OTA) update capabilities.
- Yutong and its distributors clarified that while OTA updates are possible, manual updates are standard practice in the UK and Australia, emphasizing their commitment to cybersecurity.
- The concern over remote access is not unique to Chinese vehicles; many global manufacturers, including Tesla and Ford, offer OTA updates, some with features like engine-starter interrupt devices.
- The scrutiny of Chinese vehicles is part of a broader pattern of bans on Chinese tech (e.g., Huawei, ZTE, Hikvision) due to espionage fears, linked to China's national security laws and companies' ties to the government.
- The US, Australia, Japan, and the UK have previously restricted Chinese telecom equipment, drones, and surveillance cameras, citing risks of data leaks and cyber espionage.
- Israel has begun confiscating Chinese electric cars provided to military officers over espionage concerns, highlighting ongoing fears about data collection and unauthorized access.