China’s Summer World University Games are set to begin on August 8. However, as important Chinese figures such as President Xi Jinping are set to attend, Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) vehicles are being turned away.
According to several reports, Tesla vehicles are barred from the event as a security measure. Officials are being told by authorities in Chengdu to block Tesla vehicles in some areas that are related to the event.
Starting in 2021, China raised concerns about the exterior cameras attached to Tesla vehicles. Expressing worries about potential capture of sensitive information. The concerns emerged during a period of tense relations between the United States and China, leading the Chinese government to be particularly cautious about data gathering through the all-electric vehicles.
As a response to these concerns, Chinese officials conducted a thorough security review of Tesla vehicles. The primary focus of the analysis revolved around the cameras and the synchronization of smartphones with the car. Following the analysis, the country decided to ban military members and government officials from driving a Tesla in March 2021.
When allegations of spying and data collection were first brought forth, CEO Elon Musk responded that the company would be shut down if they used their vehicles to capture sensitive political information.
“There’s a very strong incentive for us to be very confidential with any information. If Tesla used cars to spy in China or anywhere, we will get shut down.”
Shares of TSLA are down 0.27% in afternoon trading on Wednesday.