The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued secret guidance warning military staff about the security risks linked to car cameras and other technology. The memo, specific details of which remain classified, advises drivers and passengers on how to protect themselves from potential threats associated with car technology like built-in microphones and live location tracking.
Guidance applies to all vehicles
Defence officials insist the advice applies to all vehicles regardless of make or manufacturer. The guidance, released early last year, relates to MoD cars and personal vehicles on defence sites, it is understood.
Former Army intelligence officer Philip Ingram said: “The threat is higher than people might fear and therefore it’s a very wise thing to put out.” He added: “Modern electronic devices — of which a car is — are the best James Bond-type spy tools you can get. You’d be very naive to believe that hostile intelligence services aren’t exploiting every opportunity they can get to exploit everything that exists.”
Vehicles described as 'moving databases'
Many modern cars are equipped with high-tech sensors and systems. Cybersecurity expert Jake Moore described them as “moving databases”, capable of recording when doors open, speeds, conversations and video footage. “That is a treasure trove of data to a cyber criminal, particularly when we're talking high profile individuals,” he said. “Information is power.”
Mr Ingram voiced particular concerns about the possible risks linked to car cameras, saying: “It’s like someone driving around with a CCTV camera into a sensitive military site, videoing everything that’s there. You can see the layout of the camp, you can see any particular signs pointing to different things that may exist within the camp or base or station. You can see the registration of other vehicles, you can cross-reference those registrations and identify other people and potentially people of interest.”
Chinese-made cars in the spotlight
The guidance comes as sales of Chinese-made cars, which are often more affordable, soar in Britain. Chinese brands have made up around 11% of UK car registrations in 2026, data shows. Chinese manufacturers also own brands from other nations. The Express is also aware of cases of Chinese-made cars being stopped from entering some bases. Sources insist the MoD has no blanket policy but it is believed some sites may impose restrictions at the base commander’s discretion.
Reports last year suggested the MoD had banned electric vehicles with Chinese components from sensitive sites and military training bases due to espionage fears. Joe Jarnecki, research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute think tank, said he anticipates the new guidance tells personnel to “disable” some data gathering and transmission features. He added: “Modern cars are quite digitalised and they are also able to be connected with over the air. Because we have technology that can be updated over the air, that data can be retrieved from its operation over the air or can be live transmitted. It opens the door to a lot of different threat vectors that adversaries, hostile powers, could use in order to gain an advantage across various different areas.”
Industry and government response
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: “All manufacturers with cars on sale in the UK must adhere to relevant regulations on data privacy. Automotive brands take privacy extremely seriously and uphold UK GDPR principles, while customer consent underpins all personal data processing. The industry is committed to upholding a high level of customer data protection, including proportionate use of data — and data, including apps and paired mobile phones, can be removed from cars according to individual manufacturer instructions, giving peace of mind to motorists.”
A senior car industry source said the military’s guidance would also apply to many other electronic devices, like mobile phones and laptops, which contain a microphone and camera. Last year it emerged military staff have been warned against discussing secrets and connecting their work phones inside the MoD’s fleet of vehicles, many of which are built by a Chinese-owned firm.
The MoD is understood to be working closely with other Government bodies, including the Home Office and Department for Transport, on the potential risks from all connected vehicles — not just those made in China. In June, MI5 warned Chinese spies are targeting UK Government and military staff on job websites to try to get access to classified or sensitive information.
The Chinese Embassy in London did not respond to the Express’ request for comment, but Beijing has previously denied using its vehicles for espionage. A MoD spokesperson said: "The security of defence assets is a top priority for this Government. We regularly review security policies for vehicle users and passengers, alongside providing security guidance to all staff and personnel."
