Date: March 01, 2024. — Biden administration announced that the U.S. Commerce Department is initiating a formal investigation into the national security risks associated with connected vehicles using technology from China. The probe, initiated could result in new regulations or restrictions on the import or use of such vehicles in the US.
Connected vehicles are vehicles that have internet access and can communicate with other devices, such as smartphones, traffic lights, or cloud servers. They can also use advanced features such as driver assistance, navigation, or autonomous driving. While these technologies can offer convenience and safety benefits, they also raise privacy and security issues, especially when they are manufactured or controlled by foreign adversaries.
“China’s aggressive policies threaten to flood our market with vehicles that could pose grave risks to our national security,” President Biden stated. “This investigation will ensure we take the necessary steps to protect ourselves.”
According to the White House, Chinese connected vehicles have the potential to collect huge amounts of sensitive data on their drivers and passengers, such as personal information, biometric information, and position data. They might also use their cameras and sensors to collect precise information about US infrastructure, such as highways, bridges, and power grids. Furthermore, they could be remotely operated or deactivated by malevolent actors, posing safety risks or interrupting traffic.
The Commerce Department will seek comments from industry stakeholders and the general public for 60 days. They will use these comments to assess the possible risks of Chinese connected vehicle technology before crafting regulations to mitigate them. The investigation will also include autonomous vehicles, which use artificial intelligence and sensors to function without human interaction.
The U.S. probe comes amid rising tensions between the two countries over trade, technology, human rights, and regional security. The Biden administration has maintained a tough stance on China. They have accused China of engaging in unfair trade practices, intellectual property theft, cyberattacks, and human rights abuses. China has denied the allegations. It has accused the U.S. of interfering in its internal affairs and trying to contain its rise.
