Modern Cars: When Automakers Hold the Kill Switch
This single event sparked a broader conversation about an often-overlooked reality: modern cars are no longer just machines; they are software-controlled platforms — and the manufacturer often holds the ultimate key.
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How Are Automakers Able to Control Vehicles Remotely
Through over-the-air (OTA) updates and remote diagnostics, Tesla—and increasingly other automakers—can:
- Update software features.
- Adjust performance parameters.
- Lock or unlock vehicles remotely.
- Disable essential systems if necessary.
In the Cybertruck incident, it appears Tesla used this capability to "brick" the vehicle remotely, preventing its usage under what the company deemed an illegitimate or sanctioned environment.
The Double-Edged Sword of Manufacturer Control
On the one hand, remote control capabilities provide clear advantages:
- Improved safety through quick security patches.
- Convenience with wireless updates.
- The ability to recover stolen vehicles.
However, it also raises serious ethical, legal, and ownership concerns.
If manufacturers can disable your car for reasons they determine, do you truly own your vehicle? Or are you simply licensing access to hardware governed by remote software rules?
This becomes even more critical in regions facing political instability, in cross-border conflicts, or under shifting international sanctions. As the Cybertruck case showed, companies can—and will—assert their authority over assets far beyond their original point of sale.