ALBAWABA – The United States Department of Commerce, the executive department of the US federal government concerned with creating the conditions for economic growth and opportunity, is planning to ban Chinese software and hardware in internet-connected and self-driving cars due to national security concerns.
US bans Chinese software and hardware in cars
According to the Biden administration, Chinese companies pose serious risks regarding data collection on American drivers, American infrastructure, and the potential manipulation of internet-connected cars and navigation systems.
Sources stated that the new decision will include banning the import and sale of Chinese vehicles that contain software, networking hardware, and automated driving systems, according to Reuters.
It is worth noting that US imposed new restrictions on Chinese vehicles, as the Biden administration announced significant tariff increases on Chinese imports. This includes a total 100% duty percent on electric vehicles, as well as new tariffs on electric batteries and key metals.
The new rules will apply to all vehicles in the US, apart from agricultural and mining vehicles. The ban could also extend to other countries in the future, including Russia. (Shutterstock)
Gina Raimondo, US Secretary of Commerce, said: “You can imagine the most catastrophic outcome theoretically if you had a couple million cars on the road and the software were disabled.”
President Biden commented earlier: “China's policies could flood our market with its vehicles, posing risks to our national security. I’m not going to let that happen on my watch.”
Additionally, in February 2024, Biden asked to conduct an investigation into whether Chinese vehicle imports pose national security risks related to connected car technology and whether such software and hardware should be banned from all vehicles on US roads.
Internet-connected cars
It is worth mentioning that the majority of modern vehicles in the US are internet-connected, allowing cars to easily share data with other devices inside and outside the vehicle.
The US Department of Commerce plans to ban vehicles starting with the 2027 models. The ban will include bluetooth, satellite and wireless connectivity software and devices, and self-driving vehicle systems.
According to sources, the new rules will apply to all vehicles in the US, apart from agricultural and mining vehicles. The ban could also extend to other countries in the future, including Russia.
