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MoD Puts Security Warnings in Official Vehicles Over China Eavesdropping Risk

The ministry says the precautions cover all civilian hire cars and vans to prevent data leaks through vehicle systems.

Overview

  • Dashboard notices have been installed across hundreds of white‑fleet cars and vans instructing staff not to connect MoD devices and to avoid conversations above OFFICIAL.
  • An MoD spokesperson confirmed the guidance and said it applies to all civilian hire vehicles used by the department in the UK and overseas.
  • The move follows a 2023 discovery of a Chinese tracking device in a government car and ongoing security‑service concerns about exploitation of vehicle technology.
  • Officials have already restricted Chinese electric vehicles at sensitive sites, with local rules such as parking limits for China‑linked tech near RAF Wyton facilities.
  • The white fleet includes 745 electric and 1,414 hybrid vehicles as the MoD pursues full electrification by the end of 2027, prompting calls for tighter controls on Chinese‑made components.