The Canadian Minister of Innovation announced measures to combat the rise in car thefts in Canada. As one of the measures to address this issue, he proposed to ban Flipper Zero because he claims the device is used to steal cars with keyless entry systems.

This is not true — Flipper Zero is not a tool for stealing cars since it lacks technical capabilities required to steal any modern vehicle, and there is simply no evidence to support this claim. Read the Official Response of Flipper Devices team why this is not true in detail. 

Flipper Zero is an open-source project developed with contributions from thousands of community members around the world. Flipper Zero serves only good intentions and helps enthusiasts learn technology, engages people in software and hardware development, and helps to increase awareness of cybersecurity importance.

Flipper Zero isn’t used by car thieves or other criminals, who use specialized equipment that has nothing to do with Flipper Zero.

We believe that proposals like this are harmful to security and slow down technological progress, which leads to more security vulnerabilities and makes car theft only easier. Such proposals are usually made by those who do not really understand how security works and will do nothing to solve the car theft problem.

Here is our call to action for the Canadian Government:

1. Cancel the proposal to ban Flipper Zero and similar research devices.
   
   
2. Organize a professional technical commission with a broader range of security experts and politicians to engage in comprehensive discussions and deliver informed conclusions collectively.

The proposed ban on Flipper Zero and similar devices represents an overreach by the government. If allowed to proceed, it could set a dangerous precedent that stifles security research and slow down innovation.

Instead of banning tools like Flipper Zero, we should promote dialogue, collaborative efforts, and solutions that enhance security without stopping innovation.

We urge all security researchers, pentesters, and electronics enthusiasts — to sign this petition today! Let's stand together against unjust government intervention and fight for the right to use research tools like Flipper Zero responsibly in pursuit of better security.

Additional sources

• Flipper Devices Response to the Canadian Government
  
  
• CBC News: Banning hacking devices won't prevent car thefts, security experts say
  
  
• Vice: Feds Want to Ban the World’s Cutest Hacking Device. Experts Say It's a ‘Scapegoat’ 
  
  
• Ars Technica: Canada declares Flipper Zero public enemy No. 1 in car-theft crackdown
  
  
• Tom's Hardware: The Canadian government wants to ban Flipper Zero-type hacker tools to combat car theft
  
  
• Gizmodo: Canada Moves to Ban the Flipper Zero Over Car Hacking Fears

About Flipper Devices

Flipper Devices, the UK-based company behind Flipper Zero, was founded in 2020 and grew from a Kickstarter campaign. The bootstrapped startup hit the original crowdfunding goal in 8 minutes, and raised $4.8M in 30 days. Flipper Zero is used to interact with wireless devices, such as IoT sensors, TVs, and ACs, and access control systems like garage doors, boom barriers, remote keyless systems, and RFID card systems.