The U.S. government, through the Commerce Department, is proposing a ban on the sale or import of smart vehicles that use technology from China or Russia due to national security concerns. This action is part of an investigation that began in February, which found potential threats from Chinese and Russian technology embedded in software and hardware used in U.S. vehicles.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo highlighted the risks in a recent briefing, stating that the use of such foreign technology could lead to hacking or data collection on American drivers. In extreme cases, she warned, foreign adversaries might remotely control or disable all affected vehicles, causing accidents or blockages on U.S. roads.
The proposed rule targets “connected vehicles,” which refers to modern cars, buses, and trucks that use network connections for various features like roadside assistance, satellite communications, Bluetooth, WiFi, and cellular services. The Commerce Department’s ban would apply to vehicles starting from the 2027 model year for software and 2030 for hardware, though cars already on the road would not be affected.
This move is seen as part of the broader tension between the U.S. and China over control of key technology supply chains. China has heavily invested in the connected car market, and Chinese-made vehicles have started making progress in Europe. This has led to concerns in the U.S. about the security implications of such technology.
The U.S. also has concerns about electric vehicle charging stations and other infrastructure that use Chinese or Russian technology. Officials worry these could be vulnerable to hacking and potentially disrupt vital infrastructure across the country. Jake Sullivan, White House national security adviser, emphasized that there is evidence of Chinese malware targeting U.S. critical infrastructure, further justifying the proposed ban.
The Chinese government has denied these allegations, with a spokesperson urging the U.S. to respect market principles and create a fair business environment for foreign enterprises. They have criticized the U.S. for broadening the definition of national security to block Chinese companies.
The proposed action follows a similar step in June, when the Commerce Department banned products from the Russian cybersecurity company Kaspersky Lab, citing national security risks due to the firm’s anti-virus software, which is used globally.
On the same day as the smart vehicle ban proposal, the Biden administration announced a series of initiatives to support American autoworkers, especially in Michigan, a key battleground state. These initiatives include $1 billion in funding for small- and medium-sized auto suppliers, a new training program for auto jobs in Detroit’s Wayne County, and additional funds to train workers to install electric vehicle chargers.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy by the White House to strengthen its support among unionized autoworkers in the Midwest. This is politically important for both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, as Michigan played a crucial role in Biden’s 2020 election win.
Biden’s administration has focused on backing union workers and has emphasized that investing in people is essential for the growth of the middle class. Vice President Harris has echoed this sentiment, saying that providing opportunities and overcoming economic barriers, particularly in places like Detroit with a strong manufacturing history, is key to economic progress.
The administration hopes these actions will reassure autoworkers of its commitment to their industry and safeguard the nation’s economic and security interests. The final rule for the smart vehicle ban is expected to be issued before the end of Biden’s presidency, following a 30-day public comment period.
In conclusion, this proposed ban is designed to protect the U.S. from potential security risks posed by foreign technology in vehicles while also supporting American workers and industries.
