Chinese Cars Threat To National Security!

The US Government is concerned that Chinese vehicle manufacturers are flooding the United States with cheaper cars and posing new techno threats to national security.

The Department of Commerce will investigate the national security risks from connected vehicles that incorporate technology from countries of concern, including China, and consider regulations to address those risks.

Today’s vehicles increasingly leverage advanced technologies to enable navigational tools, provide driver assist features, and reduce operating costs and carbon emissions through fast and efficient charging. These autos are constantly connecting with personal devices, other cars, U.S. infrastructure, and their original manufacturer, the US Government says.

It adds, “new vulnerabilities and threats could arise with connected autos if a foreign government gained access to these vehicles’ systems or data. Connected vehicles collect large amounts of sensitive data on their drivers and passengers; regularly use their cameras and sensors to record detailed information on infrastructure; interact directly with critical infrastructure; and can be piloted or disabled remotely. Connected autos that rely on technology and data systems from countries of concern, including the People’s Republic of China, could be exploited in ways that threaten national security.”

On the flip side, China has imposed wide-ranging restrictions on American autos and other foreign vehicles operating on their roads.

As part of the investigation, Commerce will gather information from the industry and the public on the nature of these risks, and potential steps that could be taken to mitigate them. Commerce intends to use this information to help inform and scope potential regulations to govern the use of technology in vehicles from certain countries.

“China is determined to dominate the future of the auto market, including by using unfair practices.  China’s policies could flood our market with its vehicles, posing risks to our national security. I’m not going to let that happen on my watch,” President Biden said.

“Most cars these days are “connected” – they are like smart phones on wheels. These cars are connected to our phones, to navigation systems, to critical infrastructure, and to the companies that made them. Connected vehicles from China could collect sensitive data about our citizens and our infrastructure and send this data back to the People’s Republic of China. These vehicles could be remotely accessed or disabled.”