The Thuringian State Office for the Protection of the Constitution president, Stephan Kramer, is warning about espionage risks posed by networked vehicles made by the US electric car manufacturer Tesla. Furthermore, manufacturers from allied states are also unlikely to receive any trust during security checks. Kramer told the Handelsblatt, “We should not rely on the assumption that spying does not happen even among friends.” He stated, “The same testing standard should apply to Tesla and all other manufacturers.”
He emphasized that it is crucial to determine “what data the vehicle records, where it is transmitted, and who can access it.” Currently, there is no concrete evidence of espionage carried out by such vehicles. Kramer supports the German Armed Forces’ decision to deny networked vehicles access to certain military security areas regardless of the manufacturer. Kramer explained, “Kameras and location systems of networked cars capture sensitive information,” specifically concerning military facilities, operational procedures, and personnel within the German Armed Forces. If a local risk analysis indicates a danger, access restrictions are “strongly advisable and thus appropriate.”
Kramer also demands protective measures for “particularly sensitive areas of government buildings, police, intelligence services, and other security-relevant facilities.” Operators of critical infrastructure must also assess potential dangers. He clarified that a general driving ban is not necessary everywhere. “Depending on the location, sufficient parking lots at a distance or targeted access restrictions can suffice.”
Kramer specifically warns about potential eavesdropping risks. He stated that personnel and employees should be made sensitive, for example, by not discussing confidential matters within the vehicle. He added, “It is not just about video recordings and photos.” Regarding Chinese manufacturers like BYD, Kramer sees added dangers. He pointed to the legal obligations of Chinese companies to cooperate with intelligence services. “That is an additional risk factor with BYD,” he said.
