The Register: US proposes ban on Chinese, Russian connected car tech over security fears

Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2024/09/23/us_ban_china_russia_car_tech/
Source: The Register
Title: US proposes ban on Chinese, Russian connected car tech over security fears

Feedly Summary: No room for your spy mobiles on our streets
The US Commerce Department has decided not to wait for the inevitable, and today announced plans that would ban connected vehicle technology – and vehicles using it – from Chinese and Russian sources.…

AI Summary and Description: Yes

Summary: The US Commerce Department has proposed a ban on connected vehicle technology from China and Russia to mitigate national security threats. This preemptive rule aims to prevent potential espionage risks associated with vehicles and their connectivity systems, stressing the importance of safeguarding American infrastructure and citizen privacy.

Detailed Description:

– **Proposed Ban**: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced a plan to prohibit the import and sale of vehicle connectivity systems (VCS) and automated driving systems (ADS) from manufacturers tied to China and Russia.

– **Rationale for the Ban**:
– Concerns about espionage and national security, as connected vehicles could enable foreign governments to gather sensitive data and surveil critical infrastructure.
– The Biden administration emphasizes that companies in China comply with government requests, raising fears about access to vehicle data.

– **Scope of the Proposal**:
– If enacted, the ban would apply to vehicles with any VCS or ADS technology from the specified nations, even for testing purposes on US roads.
– Timeline for implementation includes:
– Software provisions for vehicles from model year 2027.
– Hardware restrictions starting model year 2030.
– A blanket ban on units without model years starting January 2029.

– **Industry Impact**:
– While there are no Chinese-branded vehicles currently in the US market, many US automakers manufacture vehicles in China.
– The Commerce Department has not clarified how these vehicles would be addressed under the new law but includes an exemption process for manufacturers.

– **Tariff Actions**: Alongside the tech ban, tariffs on Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles were raised from 25% to 100%, with China indicating plans for retaliation.

This action highlights the growing intersection of national security and technological innovation in the automotive sector, with significant implications for compliance, regulations, and the security posture of the connected vehicle ecosystem. Security and compliance professionals should monitor these developments closely, as they may influence broader trends and regulatory frameworks around IoT and connected technologies.