ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 23, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 23, 2024

ZeroFox physical security experts collect, curate, and analyze information derived from open and proprietary sources for comprehensive context of the circumstances surrounding global events. Here is today’s daily roundup of major developments.

Brief Highlights

• China Expels Philippine Aircraft over Disputed Scarborough Shoal
• Japanese Companies Honda and Nissan to Begin Merger Talks amid EV Competition
• Russia Adds Foreign Messenger Services to Information Dissemination Organizers List

China Expels Philippine Aircraft over Disputed Scarborough Shoal

On December 20, 2024, the China Coast Guard (CCG) claimed that a Philippine plane “illegally intruded” into its airspace and expelled the aircraft away from the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. Scarborough Shoal, known as Panatag Shoal or Bajo De Masin loc in the Philippines and Huangyan Island in China, is claimed by both countries. China claims almost the entire South China Sea and rights over its adjacent waters, leading to territorial disputes with neighboring countries, particularly the Philippines.

Japanese Companies Honda and Nissan to Begin Merger Talks amid EV Competition

Honda and Nissan have begun exploratory talks about a potential merger to help them compete against better-performing electric vehicle (EV) makers. The discussions are in the early stages, and there is no guarantee that a deal will be agreed upon. Honda and Nissan are exploring various possibilities for future collaboration, leveraging each other's strengths. However, Nissan in particular is likely to be merged, and the potential merger with Honda has prompted technology company Foxconn to enter the race to acquire Nissan. There are also credible rumors that Mitsubishi could be included in a three-way merger with Honda.

Russia Adds Foreign Messenger Services to Information Dissemination Organizers List

Russia has added 12 popular foreign messenger platforms to its register of organizers of information dissemination, including WhatsApp. This designation requires the messenger platforms to store user data—such as user actions, correspondence, photos, calls, and more—which must be transferred to Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) upon request. The FSB can also request keys from an ORI to decrypt user correspondence. If these platforms refuse to provide the FSB the requested information, Russian authorities may ban the messenger from operating in Russia.