President Joe Biden’s administration on Monday said it would propose banning the sale of import or Chinese-made software and so-called “smart cars” in the U.S. over safety concerns.
The move, which also applies to similar technology from Russia, is intended to prevent Chinese or Russian intelligence agencies from using the internet-connected vehicles as ways to access U.S. infrastructure or the electric grid. It comes as the Biden administration has approved new tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in order to protect domestic automakers from rivals subsidized by Beijing.
“Chinese automakers are seeking to dominate connected vehicle technologies in the United States and globally, posing new threats to our national security, including through our supply chains,” the White House said in a statement.
The Department of Commerce said its proposed rule would ban connected vehicle systems designed, developed, made, or supplied by firms connected to China or Russia. That designation is broad and encompasses “systems and components connecting the vehicle to the outside world, including via Bluetooth, cellular, satellite, and Wi-Fi modules,” as well as automated driving systems.
Some parties, such as small carmakers, may be exempted from the ban, according to the Commerce Department. If approved, the ban on software would affect the 2027 model year, while the prohibitions on hardware would come into play for the 2030 model year.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
