ASIO has warned politicians and public servants against discussing classified or sensitive information in internet-connected cars due to risks of eavesdropping and surveillance. The advice is sensible for those handling security-classified material. Modern vehicles are sophisticated data collectors that continuously transmit information to manufacturers and third parties.

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In a recent Senate estimates hearing, ASIO Deputy Director-General Lisa Alonso Love confirmed that because modern internet-connected vehicles send real-time data back to manufacturers, any vehicle - regardless of brand or country of origin - represents an insecure environment for sensitive discussions. The warning applies across the board.

Public focus has been mainly on Chinese-made vehicles such as BYD, MG, and Chery. This is understandable given legitimate concerns about China's National Intelligence Law, which obliges organisations and citizens to assist state intelligence agencies when requested. That law creates a structural vulnerability that cannot be ignored in national security assessments. However, acknowledging a theoretical risk is not the same as proving active, widespread espionage through consumer vehicles in Australia.

While the US and UK have progressively tightened restrictions on Chinese vehicles over data privacy concerns, critics argue these policies mirror past technology bans that lacked transparent, credible evidence (such as against Huawei). However, security officials argue that China's National Intelligence Law creates a risk that cannot be ignored.

Meanwhile, there is no public evidence that Chinese-made vehicles sold in Australia (or elsewhere) are systematically collecting intelligence on ordinary citizens or public servants. For manufacturers fighting for market share in competitive export markets, engaging in such activity would risk severe commercial backlash, regulatory bans, and reputational damage.

All modern cars are computers on wheels. They commonly track........

© Canberra Times