Biden Administration to Ban Chinese Software in U.S. Cars Over Security Concerns

The Biden administration has unveiled a comprehensive plan to ban Chinese-developed software in internet-connected cars across the United States, citing national security concerns.

As earlier reported by Arbiterz, the two countries attempt to lessen their dependency on one another in vital areas.

The initiative aims to protect critical infrastructure, including the U.S. electric grid, from cyber threats and to stop possible surveillance by Chinese intelligence agencies.

This choice is a component of a larger plan to reduce Chinese influence across the board in the technology industry.

It expands upon previous measures, like the prohibition on Huawei telecom gear and limitations on Chinese-manufactured cranes at U.S. ports. Congress is also putting pressure on TikTok to break its relationship with its Chinese owners, which highlights a trend of limiting China’s influence in the U.S. tech industry.

National Security Concerns Drive the Decision

The administration officials stressed that the proposed ban is driven by national security, not political motives.

It follows President Biden’s announcement of a 100 percent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles earlier this year, which he justified by highlighting the heavy subsidies these cars receive in China.

The move was framed as a way to protect American jobs and industries, despite the minimal presence of Chinese electric vehicles in the U.S. market.

Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security adviser, emphasized that connected vehicles collect vast amounts of data on drivers and interact with various personal and infrastructure systems.

He expressed concerns that these vehicles, especially those utilizing technology from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) or other countries of concern, could pose new vulnerabilities.

“Many of these technologies collect large volumes of information on drivers,” He stated.  “They also connect constantly with personal devices, with other cars, with U.S. critical infrastructure and with the original manufacturers of vehicles and components”.

He added: “And for that reason, connected vehicles and the technology they use bring new vulnerabilities and threats, especially in the case of vehicles or components developed in the P.R.C. and other countries of concern,”

What do you need to know?

All wheeled vehicles, including cars, trucks, and buses, that are driven on public roads would be subject to the proposed rule.

Non-road vehicles used in industries like mining and agriculture are not included. Hardware limitations would start in 2030, while the ban on software with Chinese and Russian origins would start with the 2027 model year.

The number of cars that currently use hardware made in China is unknown, as is the extent to which the US auto industry’s supply chain will have to change to comply with the proposed rule.

Gina Raimondo, the Commerce Secretary, stated that the administration is taking these proactive measures to protect Americans from potential surveillance threats, even though few Chinese or Russian vehicles currently operate on U.S. roads.

She pointed out that connected vehicle software could be used to gather data on American drivers’ personal information and even potentially shut down vehicles in the event of a crisis.

The Biden administration has already taken steps to limit Chinese electric vehicles in the U.S. by increasing tariffs and restricting their access to federal tax credits.

This is part of a bigger initiative to increase domestic production of clean energy and electric car manufacturing. Wind farms, solar panels, and electric cars made in the United States are all being urged to be installed with the help of subsidies worth billions of dollars.

The trend of tightening regulations on Chinese technology is probably going to continue, regardless of Biden’s successor’s administration, as the two superpowers’ technological competition grows.

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