Canada Declares Ban on Flipper Zero Amid Car Theft Concerns

In a move to combat the rising cases of car theft, the Canadian authorities announced a ban on the Flipper Zero device and similar tools that are allegedly being used to mimic wireless signals for remote keyless entry systems. This decision was revealed during a national summit on car theft, with François-Philippe Champagne, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, expressing concerns over the increasing sophistication of tools employed by car thieves.

The Canadian government’s decision comes in light of the staggering number of approximately 90,000 vehicles being stolen each year across the country, prompting officials to take decisive actions to safeguard citizens and their belongings. The Flipper Zero, originally designed for security testing, has come under scrutiny due to its alleged involvement in facilitating car thefts by replicating keyless entry signals.

The controversy surrounding the Flipper Zero has been fueled by social media videos supposedly showcasing the device’s ability to unlock cars. Despite these claims, experts and the manufacturers of the device clarify that modern vehicles utilize rolling codes for their key fobs, making it challenging for devices like the Flipper Zero to manipulate the systems. Each code transmitted by a key fob is unique and expires after one use, rendering intercepted signals useless for unauthorized access.

Flipper Devices, the company behind the Flipper Zero, has defended the device, emphasizing its intended use for security research and development. The company asserts that measures are in place to prevent the exploitation of the device for unlawful activities. Additionally, findings from the New Jersey Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Cell suggest that the perceived threat associated with the Flipper Zero may be inflated by misleading content on platforms like TikTok.

Despite Flipper Devices’ reassurances, the Canadian government is proceeding with the ban, citing concerns over the device’s potential role in car theft. However, Alex Kulagin, COO of Flipper Devices, refutes the claims, stating that the Flipper Zero is incapable of compromising the security of modern vehicles, especially those manufactured post-1990s. Kulagin highlights that the device cannot thwart the advanced security systems of contemporary cars.

South of the U.S. and Canadian border, the New Jersey Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Cell carried out an analysis on Flipper Zero’s capabilities, indicating that the device may be more in demand for educational and legitimate hacking purposes rather than for criminal activities. The analysis underscores the limitations of the device and discredits the notion that it poses a significant threat to modern wireless devices.

Additionally, recent reports reveal that a traveler had their Flipper Zero confiscated at London Gatwick airport, further emphasizing the scrutiny surrounding the device. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing debates and restrictions related to the use of the Flipper Zero and similar devices in various regions.