Wendy Chang is an Analyst on the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy team at MERICS. Her research interest is on the intersection of technology, politics and the economy. In the age of Artificial Intelligence and increased geopolitical tensions worldwide, she researches how developments in AI, self-driving cars, metaverse, quantum and more can transform China's digital economy and affect its relationship to the world. As a Taiwanese-American, she also watches cross-Strait relations closely.
Prior to joining MERICS, Wendy worked as a senior software engineer at companies in Berlin and San Francisco, building systems to ingest and analyze text data. She holds a Master of Engineering in Computer Science from MIT.

Policy Project: Data- and Cybersecurity of Imported Smart Cars: How the EU should prepare for foreign connected vehicles

Foreign-made electric vehicles are on our doorstep. Today's electric vehicles (EVs) are often loaded with cameras and sensors that can collect large amounts of information about the user and their surroundings. These cars are also connected to the internet, and can send and receive data. This poses multiple risks that the EU urgently need to think about. Firstly, what kinds of data are the carmakers collecting, and do they violate individual rights or have pose national security concerns? Where is the data stored and who has access to it? Secondly, how do we evaluate the cybersecurity risks of the hardware and software components that go into a modern smart car? How can we ensure that they are safe from hackers, who may cause damage to life and property? This project proposes to review existing regulation, and propose new ideas where strengthening is needed.