China is reportedly limiting the use of Tesla cars by employees of certain state-run enterprises and military staff over fears about the data collection abilities of the vehicles.
The country recently conducted a security review of the electric car company’s vehicles in which Chinese officials raised concerns about what data the fleet can collect. They also worried that several cameras on the vehicles have the ability to record constantly, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the restrictions.
The new restrictions reportedly apply to those who work inside Chinese military complexes, government agencies, important state-run enterprises, and certain other sensitive facilities.
The Washington Examiner asked Tesla for comment about the matter but did not immediately receive a response.
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“Tesla’s privacy protection policy complies with Chinese laws and regulations. Tesla attaches great importance to the protection of users’ privacy,” the company said in a previous statement about Chinese security concerns.
The Chinese government is particularly concerned that some of the data from the cameras and from other digital technology integrated throughout the cars could be sent back to the United States, according to the report.
Tesla sold nearly 140,000 of its Model 3 cars in China last year, making it the bestselling electric vehicle in the country. The company’s vehicles are fitted with eight cameras, a dozen ultrasonic sensors, and a radar for autopilot features.
Tesla’s Model 3, similar to its Model Y, also includes a camera above the rearview mirror inside the car, although Tesla has said in the past that the in-car cameras are turned off for vehicles inside China.
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China’s State Council Information Office did not respond to the Washington Examiner’s request for comment.
