-
Proposed Ban: The US Commerce Department may ban Chinese hardware and software in connected and autonomous vehicles due to national security concerns.
-
Data Collection and Interference: The Biden administration worries about Chinese companies collecting data on American drivers and infrastructure, and potential foreign interference in vehicles.
-
Implementation Timeline: The software ban could start in the 2027 model year, while hardware restrictions may begin in 2029 or 2030.
The US Commerce Department is planning to introduce new rules that would prohibit Chinese hardware and software in connected and autonomous vehicles on American roads. This decision is driven by concerns over national security, specifically the potential for Chinese companies to collect data on American drivers and infrastructure ¹.
There are also worries about foreign interference in vehicles connected to the internet and navigation systems, which could be manipulated remotely. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo highlighted the potential dangers, stating that a catastrophic outcome could occur if millions of cars with disabled software were on the road ¹.
The proposed regulation would focus on Chinese tech in connected vehicles, including cars with built-in internet access and data-sharing capabilities. The ban would cover cars with specific wireless features like Bluetooth, satellite, and autonomous driving capabilities. Additionally, the rule would apply to other nations deemed US adversaries, including Russia ¹ ².
This move is part of a broader escalation of US restrictions on Chinese goods, including steep tariffs on Chinese imports, such as electric vehicles and key minerals.