Canada’s decision to allow a limited number of Chinese-made electric vehicles into the market has sparked debate over data privacy and national security — but many consumers don’t seem overly concerned.

At the Canadian International AutoShow, several shoppers said privacy risks wouldn’t stop them from considering a Chinese EV. Some argued that all modern vehicles collect large amounts of data regardless of origin, while others suggested data privacy is already compromised across global tech platforms. A recent Leger poll supports that sentiment: 61 per cent of Canadians surveyed favor allowing Chinese EVs into the market. Concerns about vehicle quality and impacts on Canada’s auto industry ranked higher than privacy worries.

Experts note that modern vehicles are essentially “computers on wheels,” gathering data ranging from location and voice recordings to driving behavior and smartphone activity. China’s national security laws can require companies to share data with the government, raising concerns similar to those surrounding U.S. legislation like the Cloud Act.

Political leaders, including Pierre Poilievre and Doug Ford, have criticized the move, calling Chinese EVs potential surveillance tools. Industry leaders also warn of economic and security risks. While Ottawa says safeguards will be implemented, cybersecurity experts argue Canada lacks a robust framework to fully protect consumer data.