US Seeks Ban on Chinese, Russian Car Tech

The US Commerce Department announced Monday a proposed ban on connected and autonomous vehicles that include Chinese and Russian software and hardware, citing national security concerns. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo stressed the urgency, highlighting that cars equipped with technologies like microphones and GPS could expose Americans to potential threats from hostile nations. Features affecting national security include the ability to externally communicate via Bluetooth, cellular, satellite, or Wi-Fi, as well as operating without a human driver.

The ban, which targets software in the 2027 model year and hardware in 2030, aims to prevent foreign entities from controlling US road networks. Raimondo stated, "This is a strictly national security action," dismissing trade or economic motivations. The US sees the rapid market saturation of Chinese electric vehicles in Europe as a cautionary example. A senior administration official noted that vehicle data often makes it way to China due to current service contracts.

US automakers support the new rules' national security goal, although trade groups warn of supply chain disruptions. John Bozzella of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation remarked, "You can't just flip a switch and change the world's most complex supply chain overnight." The regulation excludes non-public road vehicles (like those used in farming). (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)