FlipperZero banned in Canada

Canada has banned the FlipperZero device over suspicion that it’s being used to steal cars.

Canadian authorities have issued a statement detailing federal action on combating auto theft.

Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED), a government department, is set to work with Canadian companies and the automotive industry to develop new solutions to protect vehicle theft.

“ISED will pursue all avenues to ban devices used to steal vehicles by copying the wireless signals for remote keyless entry, such as the Flipper Zero, which would allow for the removal of those devices from the Canadian marketplace through collaboration with law enforcement agencies,” it said.

The Risky Business News newsletter, which brought the topic to our attention, noted that the federal press release mentions FlipperZero only. However, it’s likely that other similar devices will also be subjected to the ban.

“Today, I announced we are banning the importation, sale, and use of consumer hacking devices, like flippers, used to commit these crimes,” François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry of Canada, tweeted.

Can you actually steal a car using a FlipperZero? Expert opinion on this is divided. Just last week, a Mercedes theft sparked discussion on X about fob cloning, with users questioning whether FlipperZero might have been used.

FlipperZero, a small device that started out as a Kickstarter project, can read, record, and manipulate over-the-air signals such as radio frequency (RF), near-field communication (NFC), infrared, and radio-frequency identification (RFID).

The device has been successfully used to read and clone card NFCs, entrance cards, ACs, TV controls, and gates. Notably, FlipperZero can also read and record signals from car key fobs.