Are Chinese Vehicles a Security Risk?What Australian Authorities Are Really Saying — and What Consumers Should Know

Australian drivers are buying more connected vehicles than ever before. Many of them are electric. Many are made by Chinese manufacturers.

That combination has raised questions about data security, privacy, and national interest, and while social media is full of speculation, Australian authorities have taken a far more measured approach.

So what are Australian security agencies actually saying? And what should everyday consumers reasonably consider before buying a Chinese-made vehicle?

Let’s separate fact from fear.

What Australian authorities are concerned about (in plain English)

Australia’s cyber and security agencies do not publicly ban or single out specific car brands. Instead, they focus on risk, especially where technology collects sensitive data and sends it offshore.

Two agencies matter most here:

• Australian Signals Directorate, through the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC)

• Australian Security Intelligence Organisation

Their public advice isn’t about politics. It’s about how connected technology behaves.

Modern vehicles are computers on wheels

According to guidance published by ASD’s cyber arm, modern connected vehicles can collect and transmit:

• Real-time location and travel history

• In-cabin audio (voice commands, phone calls)

• Interior and exterior video (including driver-monitoring cameras)

• Phone data synced through infotainment systems (contacts, messages, call logs)

• Driving behaviour and usage patterns

In other words, your car may know where you go, who you call, what you say, and when you’re alone.

This applies to many modern vehicles, not just Chinese ones, but concerns increase when data is:

• Stored outside Australia

• Managed under foreign legal systems

• Accessible via cloud platforms and mobile apps

Why overseas data storage matters

Australian cyber authorities consistently warn that when personal or operational data is stored overseas, it may be subject to:

• Foreign privacy laws

• Government access powers in that jurisdiction

• Legal frameworks that differ from Australian protections

This is not hypothetical. It’s a standard risk assessment principle used across government and critical infrastructure.

Importantly, ASD does not tell Australians what they can or can’t buy. Instead, it encourages consumers to understand where their data goes and who can access it.

Remote access increases risk — even without hacking

Many connected vehicles allow:

• Remote unlocking and starting

• Climate control via apps

• Vehicle tracking

• Camera and microphone interaction

ASD has publicly warned that vulnerabilities in these systems can allow:

• Unauthorised surveillance

• Remote access with limited information

• Abuse of permissions users didn’t realise they granted

You don’t need a Hollywood-style hack.Sometimes, risk comes from default settings and unchecked permissions.

What ASIO adds to the picture

While ASIO’s public statements don’t name vehicle brands, nor do they discuss Chinese vehicle security, they do consistently highlight that:

• Foreign intelligence services actively target Australian data

• Cyber systems are a low-cost, high-impact way to collect intelligence

• Technology supply chains matter — especially where data is persistent and sensitive

That context is why connected vehicles attract attention. They are mobile, always-on, sensor-rich platforms.

What this means for consumers who are considering a Chinese vehicle and who are concerned about security

This is not about panic. It’s about informed choice. If you’re considering a Chinese-made vehicle — especially an EV — Australian cyber guidance suggests you should ask:

1. Where is my data stored?

• Is vehicle data stored in Australia?

• Is it stored overseas?

• Which country’s laws apply?

2. What data does the car collect by default?

• Driver monitoring cameras?

• Always-on microphones?

• Location history?

3. Can I turn features off — and do they really stay off?

• Data sharing

• Driver scoring

• Voice assistants

• In-cabin monitoring

4. What does the mobile app access?

• Contacts?

• Messages?

• Location?

• Camera or microphone permissions?

5. How often does the manufacturer update security?

• Regular updates are a good sign

• Silence is not

Practical steps to reduce risk (without avoiding the car)

Australian cyber guidance suggests simple, effective steps:

• Review privacy and data policies before purchase

• Disable non-essential data sharing

• Be cautious connecting your primary phone

• Use strong, unique passwords and MFA for vehicle apps

• Keep vehicle software updated

• Factory-reset the vehicle before resale

• Treat your car like any other smart device — not just transport

These steps apply to all connected vehicles, regardless of country of origin.

The bottom line

Australian authorities are not saying “don’t buy Chinese cars.” They are saying:

Understand the technology, understand the data, and manage the risk.

Connected vehicles bring convenience, efficiency, and innovation. They also introduce new privacy and security considerations.

Being informed doesn’t make you paranoid, it makes you prepared.

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Smart. Secure. Connected.

At Arafura Consulting & Media, we believe technology should work for Australians — not quietly against them.

If you’d like more plain-English guidance on cybersecurity, connected devices, and digital safety, follow our blog or subscribe for updates.