Weeks following Ottawa’s decision to permit a limited quantity of Chinese-manufactured vehicles into the Canadian market, concerns have arisen about potential data privacy risks. However, this apprehension may not deter consumers on the lookout for new vehicles.
While exploring the Canadian International AutoShow, Dianne Dougall and Pat Shephard, who were seeking an electric vehicle (EV) to replace their Tesla, expressed interest in Chinese-made EVs. They emphasized that privacy concerns were no greater than those associated with any other connected vehicle, mentioning that data storage involving various countries, including the United States, should also be a concern.
Debbie Perriccioli from Waterdown, Ont., attending the auto show and nearing the end of her vehicle lease, shared similar sentiments. She dismissed privacy as a thing of the past and stated that it would not hinder her from considering a Chinese-manufactured vehicle.
A recent survey by Leger revealed that 61% of Canadians support the introduction of Chinese EVs into the Canadian market. When asked about concerns, a higher percentage of respondents cited worries about vehicle quality and impacts on the Canadian auto industry, outranking those concerned about privacy and security.
Experts interviewed by CBC News acknowledged that data security is a significant issue for modern digitally connected vehicles, regardless of their country of origin. They highlighted that Canada’s privacy laws are not robust enough to safeguard consumers from potential data access by the manufacturing country, including China.
Describing vehicles as “computers on wheels,” David Masson, Vice President and Field Chief Information Security Officer at Darktrace, emphasized that all vehicles, regardless of their power source, are essentially data-driven machines. He pointed out that China has enacted national security and intelligence laws that require cooperation with the government when requested, similar to the Cloud Act in the U.S.
Critics like Pierre Poilievre and Doug Ford have raised concerns about the agreement with China, with Poilievre dubbing the EVs as “roving surveillance systems” and Ford referring to them as “spy cars.” Brian Kingston, CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association, echoed these sentiments, expressing reservations about allowing Chinese vehicles into the market due to potential trade, security, and national security issues.
In response to these concerns, Ottawa has stated that Chinese vehicles must adhere to Canadian security standards to be sold in the country. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree assured that safeguards would be implemented to prevent data transmission to China.
Beth-Anne Schuelke-Leech, an associate professor at the University of Windsor, emphasized the absence of a robust system for ensuring data security in connected vehicles. BYD appears to be the sole major Chinese automaker registered to import passenger cars into Canada, as per Transport Canada records.
National security analyst Stephanie Carvin dismissed claims that allowing Chinese vehicles into Canada poses a new data security risk, highlighting existing concerns about economic national security and the potential impact on Canada’s domestic automobile market.
Carvin stressed that Chinese companies already have sufficient data access capabilities and receive substantial support from the Chinese government, making it challenging for Canadian manufacturers to compete on a level playing field.
