AI-generated illustration

Mahmut Faruk Aksit, general manager of Turkish engine maker TEI, said on Wednesday that Turkish defense companies no longer allow foreign electric vehicles inside their facilities. Speaking at a conference on emerging threats, artificial intelligence, biology and genetics held at Pamukkale University's Islamic Sciences Institute in Yatagan, he named ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, HAVELSAN and TEI as the firms applying the restriction.

Aksit warned that artificial intelligence can generate false information and fabricated sources, and that its persuasive power poses risks when personal data is used to influence people, including in elections. He also cautioned that internet-connected devices and smart home systems can be hijacked, and that strong passwords alone are not enough to secure digital systems. At TEI, he said, critical data is kept on systems physically separated from the internet.

Turning to autonomous and electric vehicles, Aksit argued that their cameras, sensors and software need to be assessed for security, claiming that in AI-run war simulations such cars are repeatedly used as guided missiles. Domestic vehicles are permitted because their software and control remain under Turkish authority, he said, adding that his remarks reflected his personal views and urging greater public awareness of digital risks.

Key Takeaways

• TEI's Aksit said ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, HAVELSAN and TEI no longer let foreign electric cars onto their campuses.
• He warned that AI can produce fabricated data and that connected smart devices can be remotely hijacked.
• Domestic electric vehicles are allowed because their software and control stay under Turkish oversight, he said.