WASHINGTON D.C., March 7, 2024 – In a move highlighting the ongoing push for connected vehicle technology, the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA), a organization working on developing and promoting communication standards for connected and autonomous vehicles using 5G technology and several partner organizations (ITE, ITS America, NEMA) issued a statement addressing the US Department of Commerce’s (DoC) recent inquiry into connected vehicles and their potential national security risks. The groups, which represent a broad spectrum of stakeholders in the US transportation sector, expressed their strong support for the Biden Administration’s focus on safety and user privacy in connected vehicle development.
They applaud the Department of Commerce and Bureau of Industry and Security for recognizing the many benefits of connected vehicles and noting that its recent Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking does not intend to imply that lifesaving technologies such as vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications are unsafe for use in the United States.
According to the latest estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 42,795 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2022. There’s acknowledgment of a persistent national crisis of traffic deaths on U.S. roadways, with a belief in the potential of V2X technologies. These technologies facilitate communication between vehicles, infrastructure, and other road users. Moreover, they aim to reduce crashes and fatalities, involving pedestrians and bicyclists. Additionally, V2X technology enhances traffic flow and efficiency, advancing climate and sustainability goals. There’s a reaffirmation of support for the rapid and widespread deployment of V2X technologies.
V2X systems are designed with privacy and security as priorities. They deployed them for various use cases across states without reporting any incidents. Furthermore, collaboration between members and the U.S. Department of Transportation has led to the development of a robust security solution for V2X communications. This security system ensures that V2X safety messages do not contain personal or equipment-identifying information. It also utilizes encryption and certificate management methods to limit data collection and prevent unauthorized vehicle manipulation.
Privacy and security remain focal points in the ongoing collaboration between members and USDOT for the National V2X Deployment Plan. Additionally, the supply chain for connected vehicle technology, including V2X direct, has matured. It is geographically diverse and not reliant on any specific region or country.
A request is made for the Department of Commerce to collaborate closely with transportation stakeholders. Moreover, this collaboration aims to ensure precise focus on any forthcoming regulations addressing national security risks. The goal is to minimize unintended consequences or substantial disruption to industry initiatives aimed at implementing lifesaving safety technologies.
The organization expresses its anticipation for collaborative efforts. It also aims to work with all stakeholders in facilitating the safe and effective deployment of V2X technologies.
Participating associations: 5G Automotive Association (5GAA), Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America), National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).
