Cyber security. Photo: IC

 
China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) said on Wednesday that an unidentified foreign company was discovered to have illegally conducted geographic mapping activities in the country under the pretense of conducting joint intelligent driving research with a licensed Chinese mapping firm.

The MSS' disclosure prompted multiple carmakers to reaffirm their commitment to compliance with Chinese laws and regulations.

Tesla Vice President Tao Lin reposted the MSS' disclosure on Chinese social media platform Sina Weibo late on Wednesday, writing "Compliance forms the foundation of business operations. It is Tesla's belief that only compliance-driven intelligence can foster sustainable development."

Chinese mapping company NavInfo has attracted significant attention online following the MSS' latest announcement.

"NavInfo always adheres strictly to laws and regulations, and strongly opposes any rumors that tarnish its reputation and will take necessary legal actions," the company wrote on its official account of Sina Weibo on Wednesday night.

Also on Wednesday, the Cyber Security Association of China called for a thorough review of products from US tech firm Intel, citing persistent cybersecurity issues and high failure rates, to ensure national security and safeguard Chinese consumer rights. 

Intel's subsidiary Mobileye has become the subject of online speculation.

"We have made ongoing investments in data compliance and regulatory adherence, including in China, operating under the supervision of licensed entities," the company posted on Sina Weibo.

"Our commitment to adhering to all relevant laws and regulations ensures that our operations maintain the highest compliance standards," it said.

"[The incident disclosed by the MSS] has nothing to do with Zeekr and was not carried out by its partner," Yang Xueliang, vice president of Geely Holding Group, posted on Sina Weibo on Wednesday.

Chinese electric vehicle maker Zeekr is a partner of Mobileye. In August, Zeekr and Mobileye announced their plan to accelerate technology localization in China, integrate Mobileye technologies into the next-generation Zeekr models, and further their state-of-the-art driving safety and automation in China and in the global market, read a press release seen on Mobileye's website.

Global Times