China asks manufacturers to send location data to electric cars – IT Pro – News

The Chinese government collects real-time location data and other data from large-scale electric cars. The government says it's doing it to improve security and infrastructure, but critics point to surveillance risks.

According to Associated Press, Beijing has forced all manufacturers to provide location and other data for electric cars driving in China. The rule does not apply to gasoline powered cars. Tesla's electric cars, VW and Nissan, among others, now transmit the data to surveillance facilities in the country, without the owner often knowing it. The manufacturers claim that AP respected Chinese law by cooperating.

The Chinese government claims to analyze data to improve public safety, optimize infrastructure and prevent fraud through subsidies. The AP quotes critics who claim that China can also use the data to give the country's automakers a better competitive position. In addition, critics point out the possibilities of surveillance. China could eventually integrate data collection into a larger system for surveillance ubiquitous explains for example Michael Chertoff, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security under former US President George Bush.