Is YOUR smart vape spying on you... for China? MP raises fears

By JOSHUA HAINING, NEWS REPORTER Published: 01:53, 5 June 2026 | Updated: 02:04, 5 June 2026 'Smart vapes' made in China could be used to spy on Brits via their mobile phones, a Labour MP has warned. Graeme Downie called on ministers to investigate internet-connected e-cigarettes that could harvest confidential data and leave users vulnerable to cyber attacks. The MP for Dunfermline and Dollar's comments come as US senators warned that sophisticated vapes made in China could abuse smartphone connections to collect sensitive information. Newer models with Bluetooth connection and high-tech components including touchscreens would allow vapes to interact with other devices compromising their security. Smartphone-connected vapes have additional functions when paired with devices, including vape analytics and usage trackers to monitor users' smoking habits. Mr Downie, who chairs the Coalition on Secure Technology, said Brits must be aware of the threats Chinese-made e-cigarettes pose on remote device snooping.  Graeme Downie called on ministers to investigate internet-connected e-cigarettes made in China that could leave users vulnerable to cyber attacks  Mr Downie, who chairs the Coalition on Secure Technology, said Brits must be made aware of the threats Chinese-made e-cigarettes pose (Stock image)  'The vape in someone's pocket really could be used to quietly harvest data or track their movements,' he told The Sun. He said warnings from the US should act as a 'wake-up call' to ban vapes made in China from being sold to Brits.  'Millions of these "smart vapes" are manufactured in China where the state has sweeping powers over industry, raising serious questions about where data could end up and who can access it.' The Coalition on Secure Technology is a cross-party campaign raising awareness of national security threats from openly or potentially hostile states including China. Ministers and cybersecurity agencies are being urged to investigate the security risk Chinese-made connected vaping devices sold in Britain pose.  The group is campaigning for a higher level of scrutiny on imported devices that could connect to mobile phones. A National Cyber Security Centre spokesperson said any vape that is capable of connecting to the internet carries some level of risk. They said: 'Ultimately, it's up to individuals to decide whether the added features of a "smart" device make it worth connecting it online, and people should be aware of the potential security implications that can come with that choice.' No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.