Tue Sep 24 03:54:56 UTC 2024: ## US to Ban Chinese Tech in Cars, Citing National Security Concerns
**Washington, D.C. -** The U.S. Department of Commerce has proposed new regulations aimed at banning Chinese technology from internet-connected vehicles in the United States, citing national security concerns. This move, unveiled after a seven-month investigation, comes amid growing fears of espionage and data collection by foreign governments through advanced vehicle technology.
The proposed rules, set to be finalized by January 2025, would apply to all vehicles operating on public roads, including cars, trucks, and buses. Restrictions on software would come into effect in 2027, followed by hardware restrictions in 2030.
According to the Commerce Department, the ban focuses on Vehicle Connectivity Systems (VCS) and software integrated into Automated Driving Systems (ADS). “Malicious access to these systems could allow adversaries to access and collect our most sensitive data and remotely manipulate cars on American roads,” the department stated.
American officials specifically pointed to the potential for Chinese-made technology to be used for data collection, disruption, or even sabotage of critical infrastructure. “Cars today have cameras, microphones, GPS tracking and other technologies connected to the internet,” said Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. “It doesn’t take much imagination to understand how a foreign adversary with access to this information could pose a serious risk to both our national security and the privacy of U.S. citizens.”
While the rules ostensibly target Russia as well, the focus on China is significant due to its rapidly growing presence in the global electric vehicle (EV) market. While the number of Chinese vehicles in the U.S. remains relatively low, the government views the move as a precautionary measure.
The ban comes on the heels of a global trend toward imposing tariffs on Chinese EVs, with the U.S. government introducing tariffs of up to 100 percent in May. This action, coupled with the upcoming presidential election and a bipartisan consensus around China, adds political weight to the ban.
Experts predict that the ban may be a starting point for more extensive restrictions on Chinese technology in various sectors. “On China tech, it’s clear that the ‘small yard’ is growing in size and will continue no matter who wins the election in November,” said Richard Fontaine, CEO of the Center for a New American Security.
The Chinese government has denounced the U.S. proposal, calling it discriminatory and a generalization of national security concerns. China has already implemented its own restrictions on Tesla vehicles due to similar data security concerns.
The proposed ban on Chinese technology in vehicles raises significant questions about the future of international trade and technological collaboration, especially in a world increasingly dominated by technological competition between the U.S. and China.
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