"A Matter of National Security": China to Ban Military Personnel from Driving Tesla Electric Cars

China will prohibit military personnel and employees of major state-owned enterprises from driving electric vehicles produced by the American corporation Tesla. The Wall Street Journal reports this, citing its sources.

This decision is driven by concerns that Tesla could potentially gather data that threatens China's national security. Chinese officials have noted that the cameras on the vehicles can continuously record and gather data regarding the car's location. Additionally, Tesla’s internal systems synchronize the driver's contacts.

The Chinese authorities believe that this information could be sent to the United States.

In addition to this ban, access for Tesla electric cars will also be restricted in residential areas where individuals working in key industrial sectors and government agencies reside.