Canada bans Flipper Zero devices

In an effort to curb escalating car thefts, Canada has declared a ban on the import, sale and use of the Flipper Zero device and similar devices, which the government says has been implicated in facilitating these crimes by replicating the wireless signals of remote keyless entry systems. The announcement was made by François-Philippe Champagne, the minister of innovation, science and industry, who voiced concerns over the growing sophistication of tools used by criminals to steal vehicles.

This decision comes in response to the increasingly alarming rate of car thefts in this country, with approximately 90,000 vehicles stolen annually across the nation, prompting authorities to take stringent measures to protect citizens and their property. The Flipper Zero, a device originally designed for security testing with capabilities including the emulation of radio frequency identification, has found itself at the centre of controversy. Despite its benign intent and a retail price of $169, the device has been caught up in a wave of concern due to its potential misuse.

The debate over the Flipper Zero's role in car thefts has been fuelled by social media, where videos purportedly demonstrating the device's ability to unlock cars have circulated. However, experts and the device's manufacturers clarify that modern vehicles use a system of rolling codes for their key fobs, which greatly complicates any potential misuse of Flipper Zero. Each code transmitted by a key fob is unique and expires after a single use, rendering captured signals ineffective for subsequent unauthorized access.

In defence of its product, Flipper Devices highlights its intended purpose for security research and development, asserting that precautions are in place to prevent its exploitation for illicit activities. The company also points to findings from the New Jersey Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Cell, which suggest the perceived threat of the Flipper Zero may be exaggerated by misleading content on platforms like Tiktok.

The manufacturer contests the Canadian government's decision, arguing the device is incapable of compromising the security of modern automobiles, particularly those manufactured after the 1990s.