Mon Sep 23 20:39:00 UTC 2024: ## US to Ban Chinese Software & Hardware in Connected Vehicles Over Security Concerns

The Biden administration, citing national security risks, is poised to ban the use of Chinese software and hardware in connected and autonomous vehicles on American roads, according to sources familiar with the matter. The proposed regulation, expected to be released by the Commerce Department, would prohibit the import and sale of vehicles from China equipped with key communication or automated driving systems from these manufacturers.

The administration fears that Chinese companies could collect sensitive data on US drivers and infrastructure, potentially allowing foreign manipulation of vehicles connected to the internet and navigation systems. This move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing US restrictions on Chinese vehicles, software, and components.

The proposed ban would include vehicles with Bluetooth, satellite, and wireless features, as well as highly autonomous vehicles capable of operating without a driver. The ban on software is expected to take effect in the 2027 model year, while the ban on hardware would begin in January 2029 or the 2030 model year.

While the administration has previously raised concerns about Chinese-made vehicles, this ban directly targets software and hardware, highlighting the growing anxieties over potential vulnerabilities within connected vehicles. This concern has been shared by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, who previously expressed alarm about Chinese companies collecting and handling sensitive data while testing autonomous vehicles in the United States.

While the move is likely to face pushback from the auto industry, which has warned that swapping out hardware and software in vehicles would take time and disrupt existing production processes, the Commerce Department is expected to allow a 30-day public comment period before finalizing the rules.

The ban extends to other foreign adversaries, including Russia, and applies to all vehicles on US roads except those used for agriculture and mining. The White House has signed off on the final proposal, aiming to ensure the security of the supply chain for connected vehicles in the United States.

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