SINGAPORE: China’s government restricts use of Tesla Inc
TSLA -6.93%
personnel vehicles of state-owned military companies in sensitive industries and key agencies, and mentions concern that the cars of American electric vehicle manufacturers could be a source of national security leaks, according to people familiar with the ‘effort.
The move comes after a government security check of Tesla vehicles, according to Chinese officials who found that the car’s sensors could record visual images of surrounding places, according to people. In addition, the Chinese government said that Tesla – through vehicles – could obtain various data such as, when and how cars are used, as well as personal information of drivers and the contact list of mobile phones synchronized with vehicles. . , people said. The government is concerned that some data may be returned to the US, according to people.
The government has informed some of its agencies to ask their employees to stop driving Tesla vehicles to work, they said. Some of the people said Tesla vehicles were also banned from driving into residential buildings for families of staff working in sensitive industries and state agencies. Their agencies informed them that among the government’s concerns is that Tesla vehicles can be constantly in recording mode, using cameras and other sensors to record various details, including short videos.
The Information Office of the State Council of China did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Tesla declined to comment on the government’s move. He referred The Wall Street Journal to a comment he previously made to the Chinese media in response to previous data security issues. “Tesla’s privacy policy complies with Chinese laws and regulations. Tesla attaches great importance to protecting users’ privacy, ”he said. It was also said that the car’s cameras were not activated for all Tesla vehicles in China.
The Chinese market, where chief executive Elon Musk has been widely circulated, has become increasingly important to Tesla. Deliveries to the country last year helped the company achieve approximately 500,000 vehicle deliveries worldwide, a record. Tesla, based in Palo Alto, California, which opened land at its Shanghai plant in January 2019, currently manufactures the Model 3 sedan and the Model Y compact sports utility vehicle at the factory.
Tesla shares have tripled more than since the beginning of the year, providing it with a higher market capitalization than many American industry giants. But his rise was not necessarily driven by foundations. WSJ explains. Illustration: Jacob Reynolds / WSJ (video from 02/08/20)
Write to Keith Zhai to [email protected]
Copyright © 2020 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All rights reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8