Ford has filed for a new patent that could potentially pave the way for future persecution, at least in the way that we have seen in China.

A patent application filed by Ford on February 23, shows that a system was introduced by a technology company owned by Ford, that would allow a vehicle to be disabled from a remote location, preventing a driver from having access to it. The patent application describes a system that would disable remotely and even, using self-driving technology, to cause the vehicle to move to a place where it could be retrieved by the another party – i.e. a creditor.

How can this new technology proposed by Ford be used for persecution against Christians?

Let me explain.

While Ford’s submitted plans to disable a vehicle would indeed make it easy for certain situations like creditors to retrieve a car that has not been fully paid for, it would also be easy to weaponize against Christians. In China, we have seen Christians persecuted for having low social credit scores which in turn means travel, credit, jobs, schools, tickets, etc, have been taken away.

In a social credit system, like that which is found in China, a vehicle that could be disabled remotely would have many functions. Imagine if Christians didn’t stop gathering in illegal meetings because they ‘disrupt social harmony’ or ‘health reasons.’ Would it not be possible to simply disable their vehicles, thereby making it difficult to not only go to underground church meetings, but to go to work, school, or grocery stores? What if someone refused to take a vaccine that they didn’t believe in or refused to attend a re-education course required by the government?

For the most part, it is probably safe to say that Ford has good intentions with their new patent, but like most things, in the wrong hands, it could have serious consequences for Christians in the future.