The US commerce department is set to propose a ban on Chinese software and hardware in connected and autonomous vehicles on American roads due to national security concerns. President Joe Biden’s administration has expressed worries about data collection by Chinese companies on US drivers and infrastructure, as well as potential foreign manipulation of internet-connected vehicles. This proposed regulation would prohibit importing and selling vehicles from China with key communication or automated driving system software or hardware.
Commerce secretary Gina Raimondo highlighted the significant risks posed by Chinese software or hardware in connected US vehicles. President Biden ordered an investigation earlier this year to assess national security risks associated with Chinese vehicle imports. The commerce department plans to implement the prohibition on software in the 2027 model year and on hardware in January 2029 or the 2030 model year.
The rule will aim to secure the supply chain for US connected vehicles, extending to vehicles on US roads while exempting agricultural and mining vehicles. With bipartisan concerns about Chinese companies handling sensitive data, the proposed ban will also include other US adversaries such as Russia.