The Threat of Illegal Mapping for Autonomous Driving Research
A Chinese state media report has revealed that an unnamed foreign company has been conducting illegal mapping activities in multiple provinces under the guise of autonomous driving research, in collaboration with a domestic Chinese company. The incident raises concerns about national security and data privacy.
Recently, Chinese state media reported that national security authorities have discovered an unnamed foreign company, referred to as “Company A”, has been carrying out illegal mapping activities in China under the cover of autonomous vehicle research. The mapping data was collected across multiple provinces through a partnership with a domestic Chinese company, “Company B”.
According to the report, Company A served as the primary contractor for a sensitive overseas project and outsourced the data collection to Company B. Company A purchased vehicles equipped with high-precision LiDAR, GPS, and optical cameras, using specialized data formats that could not be analyzed by common software. Foreign personnel from Company A directly instructed and supervised Company B’s mapping operations in the field. Company B was essentially reduced to a “puppet on a string”, blindly following Company A’s directives and even transferring the illegally collected mapping data abroad.
This incident is particularly alarming as it occurred in the context of tightening regulations around mapping and data security in China’s automotive and geospatial information industries. In 2021, China implemented new Data Security Management Regulations for vehicles. The Ministry of Natural Resources also released guidelines in 2023 to promote the development of autonomous vehicle mapping while protecting national geospatial data security. The tactics employed by Company A to skirt regulatory oversight through multi-layer subcontracting appear especially egregious against this backdrop.
While the identities of Company A and B were not disclosed, likely to encourage greater vigilance across the industry, the incident has ignited rampant speculation online. Several autonomous driving companies, including Tesla and SAIC-GM-Wuling, have issueying involvement and distancing themselves from the scandal.
This brazen violation of national security and data privacy regulations should serve as a wake-up call for enhanced monitoring and enforcement. Mapping data is a strategic national asset, and its illegal collection by foreign entities under false pretenses poses significant risks. As more details emerge, the companies responsible must be held accountable and face severe consequences for undermining China’s security and autonomous vehicle development. Failure to do so will only embolden more bad actors to exploit gaps in oversight.
Looking ahead, this incident underscores the critical importance of localized and secure development of autonomous driving technologies. With world-class domestic capabilities emerging across the stack, from AI chips to sensors and algorithms, China is well-positioned to lead autonomous vehicle innovation while safeguarding its national interests. Companies should embrace a “China for China” strategy, doubling down on local R&D and partnerships to deliver world-class autonomous solutions that meet the highest standards of safety, security and ethics.