Tesla Electric Car Manufacturer Makes Sure Data From China Doesn't Come Out

JAKARTA - Tesla, through one of its chief executives, is trying to assuage concerns over the security of data on their electric cars, especially in China, which is concerned about its military secrecy.

Through Tesla's Global Vice President Tao Lin, the electric car manufacturer said all data collected in China, he said, would remain in China.

Tao Lin said this after attending a roundtable forum held by the National Development and Reform Commission, China's economic planner.

"The collection of information by all smart cars in the future can follow the standard configuration. In this process, it is necessary to work with regulatory authorities at all levels, to formulate a comprehensive plan so that consumers can enjoy comfort and security", Tao told the Global Times on Wednesday, April 14.

Meanwhile, related to production in China, Tao said Tesla is building an electric Model 3 sedan and a Model Y sports vehicle in Shanghai, they will share an understanding of data protection with the Chinese Government.

"Tesla as a company operating in China must comply with Chinese laws and regulations. Our data is very well protected. China's data is stored in China", Tao told Reuters.

In late March, Reuters reported the Chinese military banned Tesla cars from entering its complex, citing safety concerns over cameras mounted on the vehicle. China's Tesla Model 3 is equipped with eight cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors.

Tesla said on April 7 that its internal cameras were not activated in markets outside North America. Tesla said that in the United States, the buyer can freely choose whether to activate their camera or not.

Meanwhile, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the company would never use its products to spy on any country.

In response to the allegations, Tesla CEO Elon Musk raised his voice. He said it would shut down the company if Tesla-made electric cars were used for espionage.

"There is a very strong urge for us to keep any information very secret. If Tesla uses cars to spy on China or anywhere else, we will be shut down", Musk said at a forum titled China Development Forum held online.

For the record, Tesla sold 35.478 cars in March in China, a monthly record. Model 3 car sales reached 25.327, an 85 percent increase from the previous month, the best monthly sales of this model in the Chinese market.

Meanwhile, sales of the newly launched Model Y exceeded 10.000 for the first time in a month, reaching 10.151 units, an increase of 119 percent from the previous month.