The Estonian State Information System Agency (RIA) highlights in its cybersecurity yearbook that China poses a significant threat to Western countries through cyberattacks, technological dependence, and data collection. According to RIA’s report, the Chinese intelligence service has access to the personal data of Estonian residents via Chinese technology and applications. Last year, Estonia recorded 6,515 high-impact cyber incidents, while global security vulnerabilities reached 40,287. Notable examples include breaches of U.S. telecom companies and the cancellation of Romania’s presidential election due to cyber threats.
RIA states that Chinese-linked groups are among the most sophisticated anti-Western forces operating more covertly with a focus on cyber espionage.
China collects personal data through apps like TikTok and electric vehicles, with laws requiring companies to share this data with the government, including intelligence services. RIA’s chief analyst, Nikolai Kunitsyn, expressed concern over the lack of transparency regarding using this data, which could potentially be utilised for training artificial intelligence.
Recent discussions in Estonia have centred on TikTok’s safety and the implications of electric cars from Chinese company BYD, which connect to Chinese servers. Concerns were also raised about the security of Chinese-made routers. RIA observes that while many people are aware of TikTok’s data collection practices, they often do not seem alarmed, emphasising that personal data should be treated with care and that legal protections differ significantly between the EU and China.
