Source URL: https://tech.slashdot.org/story/24/09/23/136242/us-proposes-ban-on-smart-cars-with-chinese-and-russian-tech
Source: Slashdot
Title: US Proposes Ban on Smart Cars With Chinese and Russian Tech
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AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The US Commerce Department is proposing a ban on the sale or import of smart vehicles utilizing specific Chinese or Russian technologies due to significant national security concerns. This regulation highlights vulnerabilities inherent in embedded software that could lead to remote control of vehicles, potentially endangering public safety and privacy.
Detailed Description: The announcement from the US Commerce Department emerges from an extensive investigation into the national security risks associated with the use of Chinese and Russian technologies in smart vehicles. Several key points underline the significance of this proposal:
– **National Security Risks**: Officials revealed that embedded software and hardware in vehicles sourced from adversarial nations pose threats such as:
– Potential remote sabotage capabilities, where hostile actors could hijack vehicle operation.
– Unauthorized collection of personal data from drivers, leading to privacy violations.
– **Extreme Scenarios**: Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasized alarming possibilities, including scenarios wherein a foreign enemy could simultaneously incapacitate or gain complete control over all smart vehicles operating in the US, resulting in disastrous traffic incidents or obstructions on roadways.
– **Implementation Timeline**:
– The software ban is slated to take effect for vehicles produced for model year 2027.
– The hardware ban is anticipated to begin for vehicles of model year 2030.
– **Exemption Clause**: The regulations will not impact vehicles already on the road that contain Chinese software.
– **Broader Context**: This proposed regulatory action is indicative of the ongoing geopolitical conflicts between the US and China, particularly concerning technological advancements and supply chain security in critical sectors such as semiconductors and AI. China’s substantial investments in the connected car market raise alarms among US officials regarding their competitive edge in future automotive technologies.
This development is particularly relevant for professionals in security, privacy, compliance, and technology sectors, as it underscores the increasing importance of scrutinizing supply chains for national security implications, and the robust regulatory landscape shaping the future of smart technologies.