Some members of the European Parliament have called on European Union institutions and the French government, alleging that there is a security risk associated with connected vehicles from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD. The lawmakers have demanded that these vehicles be restricted in certain areas across Europe and, in some cases, banned entirely.
The petition claims that sensitive data could be collected through systems such as cameras, GPS, microphones, and laser sensors found in BYD vehicles. It was argued that this data could pose a security risk, particularly regarding strategic infrastructure and military facilities.
The initiative is reportedly being led by French MEP Francois Kalfon and eight of his colleagues. The lawmakers stated that France and the EU should take precautions without waiting for a concrete case of espionage to occur.
MILITARY FACILITIES AND PUBLIC TENDERS ON THE AGENDA
The call demands that BYD vehicles be banned from entering military facilities and sensitive infrastructure zones, that the brand be excluded from public tenders, and that it be classified as a "high-risk supplier" under EU cybersecurity regulations. Furthermore, it was requested that stricter limitations be imposed on vehicle imports into Europe.
The lawmakers also recalled that similar security measures have been implemented in some countries. It was noted that the UK and Poland have restricted access for Chinese-origin vehicles to military facilities, while the US military has banned BYD vehicles at its base in Japan.
News Source: 12punto
