Poland has formally prohibited Chinese-made cars and other technologically advanced vehicles from entering the country’s military facilities, citing concerns over potential data security risks. The decision, announced by the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, is intended to reduce the possibility of uncontrolled acquisition and use of sensitive information by modern automotive systems.
According to the Polish military, the move follows a detailed risk assessment examining the growing integration of digital technologies in vehicles. Officials warned that contemporary automobiles equipped with advanced sensors, connectivity features, and infotainment systems could potentially collect and transmit sensitive data. The new restrictions are designed to strengthen the protection of military infrastructure and limit exposure to cyber and intelligence threats.
Despite the security measure, Poland continues to maintain commercial relations with China. Chinese automotive brands such as MG, owned by SAIC Motor Corp., as well as models from Chery Automobile and BYD, remain among the leading Chinese manufacturers in the Polish market. However, the military’s directive specifically targets access to protected defense facilities rather than civilian sales.
In a related precaution, government personnel have also been barred from connecting official mobile phones to infotainment systems in vehicles manufactured in the People’s Republic of China. Military officials noted that such systems, if compromised, could provide unauthorized access to location data, images, audio recordings, or communication logs.
Colonel Marek Pietrzak stated in an official post that the restrictions apply not only to passenger cars but to any motor vehicle equipped with devices capable of recording position, sound, or visual data. Entry into protected military zones will only be permitted if certain data-collecting functions are disabled and all required preventive measures are implemented in line with facility security protocols.
Military commanders and unit leaders have been instructed to arrange alternative parking areas outside secured compounds for vehicles subject to the ban. However, the new rules will not apply to military-related facilities that are open to the public, including clinics, hospitals, libraries, prosecutors’ offices, and garrison clubs.
The Chief of the General Staff has also urged relevant authorities to develop appropriate legal and technical frameworks that would allow vehicle manufacturers with advanced monitoring systems to obtain information security clearance. Such measures would help verify whether technologically sophisticated vehicles offered in Poland meet required safety standards.
Officials emphasized that modern vehicles with advanced communication systems can gather and transmit significant amounts of data, making robust security regulations essential, particularly in protected defense environments. The Polish military noted that the new policy aligns with broader practices among NATO members and allied countries aimed at maintaining strict standards for safeguarding critical defense infrastructure.
