News - General NewsConnected cars spark security fears, againASIO warns politicians against discussing sensitive information in internet-linked vehicles5 Jun 2026 AUSTRALIA’S growing fleet of connected vehicles is attracting increasing scrutiny from cybersecurity experts and government agencies, with the nation’s domestic intelligence service warning that internet-linked cars may pose a significant security risk. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has advised politicians and public servants against discussing classified or sensitive information while travelling in connected vehicles, citing concerns over the volume of data modern vehicles can collect and transmit. Speaking before Senate Estimates last week, ASIO deputy director-general Lisa Alonso Love said government officials should remain mindful of the risks associated with connected vehicle technology. “People should be conscious of the things that they are discussing in vehicles, knowing that people may be able to get that information,” she said. The warning comes as connected vehicle adoption accelerates across Australia. Industry estimates suggest around half of all vehicles on Australian roads were internet-connected in 2021, with that figure expected to rise to almost 95 per cent by 2035. Cybersecurity researchers say modern vehicles have evolved far beyond traditional transportation devices. University of Technology Sydney cybersecurity consultant Montii Abid said today’s vehicles are effectively mobile computers capable of collecting extensive amounts of personal information. “The tech’ has moved away from being something simple to being a computer with a microphone, cameras, personal data, everything,” he said. Connected vehicles can collect information ranging from location data and driving behaviour to contacts, call logs, smartphone metadata and, in some cases, audio and video recordings. Consumer advocacy group CHOICE has previously found that most major vehicle brands operating in Australia collect driver data, with many sharing information with third parties. Concerns have intensified amid the rapid growth of Chinese-built vehicles in Australia, particularly electric vehicles