Smart Cars Under Threat: US Proposes Ban on Vehicles with Chinese and Russian Tech

The United States is on the brink of taking a bold step to safeguard its national security. On Monday, the Commerce Department will propose a ban on the sale and import of smart vehicles that use specific Chinese or Russian technology. The move comes after a thorough investigation revealed a range of national security risks associated with embedded software and hardware from China and Russia. The risks include the possibility of remote sabotage by hacking and the collection of personal data on drivers. The ban would not apply to cars already on the road in the US that have Chinese software installed. However, the proposed regulatory action would take effect for vehicles from model year 2027 and the hardware ban for model year 2030. The move is part of a broader struggle between the US and China to secure the supply chains of key computing technology. China's inroads in the connected car market have raised concerns among US officials. The Chinese government has also expressed concerns about data gathered by Tesla vehicles, with some authorities banning the vehicles from entering their compounds. The Commerce Department's proposed rule covers hardware and software that interact with key technology that allows a vehicle to communicate with the outside world. The proposed ban is not a protectionist move, according to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. "This is a strictly national security action," she emphasized. The move aims to prevent foreign adversaries from collecting data on American citizens, which could be used to compromise their security. US officials are concerned that electric charging stations and other infrastructure outfitted with certain hardware or software could be exploited by hackers with ties to China, Russia, or other foreign powers. The proposed ban is a crucial step in protecting the country's critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.