- US to ban Chinese tech in cars over fears of security and privacy for US citizens
- Chinese and Russian-made software is currently used minimally in US vehicles
- Ban comes into effect with model year 2027 vehicles
US to ban Chinese tech in cars
The United States is moving to ban certain Chinese and Russian-made hardware and software from cars, trucks, and buses, citing national security risks. The ban targets technologies used in autonomous driving systems and connected vehicles, which officials fear could be exploited by foreign adversaries to “remotely manipulate cars on American roads.”
While Chinese and Russian-made software is currently used minimally in US vehicles, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said that the proposed measures are “targeted and proactive” steps to safeguard national security. The move comes as part of an ongoing investigation, launched in February, into cyber threats posed by so-called connected cars.
Under the new rules, software restrictions will take effect with model year 2027 vehicles, while hardware prohibitions will begin three years later, giving automakers time to adjust their supply chains.
“Modern vehicles are equipped with cameras, microphones, GPS tracking, and other internet-connected technologies,” Raimondo said in a statement. “It doesn’t take much imagination to see how a foreign adversary with access to this data could threaten both national security and the privacy of US citizens.”
China has criticised the US for what it sees as an unjustified extension of the national security concept to target Chinese companies.