A recent report from the New York Post has uncovered alarming claims about privacy issues in Chinese-made electric vehicles, specifically those manufactured by BYD. Owners have reported that these EVs might have a hidden feature allowing external parties to listen in on conversations inside the car.

The Alleged Backdoor

An Australian BYD owner discovered that the car’s internal SIM could be dialed from an external phone, enabling audio transmission from inside the vehicle without the driver’s knowledge. The owner demonstrated this by calling the car’s SIM number, which resulted in audio being transmitted to their phone without any visible indication on the car’s displays.

“I wasn’t able to hang up the covert call from the car, even by opening the phone app or pressing the pick-up/hangup button on the steering wheel,” the owner stated.

Broader Implications

This revelation has reignited concerns about the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made EVs. It’s reminiscent of the controversy surrounding Chinese-made DJI drones and their alleged capability to spy on US interests.

US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo highlighted the gravity of the situation:

“Cars today have cameras, microphones, GPS tracking and other technologies connected to the internet. It doesn’t take much imagination to understand how a foreign adversary with access to this information could pose a serious risk to both our national security and the privacy of citizens.”

BYD’s Response

BYD’s Australian distributor, EVDirect, acknowledged the issue and claimed to be working with Telstra, the SIM provider, to resolve it.

Luke Todd, the managing director, assured that “There is no risk of exposure for people obtaining car owners’ details.”

US Concerns and Potential Ban

The US government is considering banning Chinese-made EVs due to espionage and national security concerns. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan warned:

“We’ve already seen ample evidence that [China] pre-positioned malware in our critical infrastructure for disruption and sabotage. And with potentially millions of vehicles on the road, each with 10- to 15-year life spans, the risks of disruption and sabotage increase dramatically.”

EVXL’s Take

This situation echoes concerns we’ve seen before in the EV industry, particularly with Tesla’s data collection practices. However, the alleged eavesdropping capability in BYD vehicles takes these privacy concerns to a new level. As the EV market continues to globalize, it’s crucial that manufacturers prioritize user privacy and security alongside technological advancements. This incident underscores the need for robust regulations and transparency in the rapidly evolving EV landscape.

What are your thoughts on this privacy issue with Chinese-made EVs? Share your opinion in the comments below.