The Biden administration has announced an investigation into Chinese-made 'smart cars' due to potential national security risks. The probe aims to prevent China from using advanced technology in electric vehicles and connected cars to gather sensitive information about American drivers.
Officials are particularly concerned about the possibility of driver assistance technology being exploited to spy on individuals. While this action falls short of a ban on Chinese imports, President Joe Biden emphasized the need to protect Americans' data from foreign interference.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo highlighted the risks posed by connected vehicles, describing them as 'smart phones on wheels' that collect vast amounts of personal and biometric data. She warned that foreign adversaries, such as China, could exploit this information to jeopardize national security and the privacy of U.S. citizens.
In addition to data collection concerns, officials also raised alarms about the potential for connected vehicles to be remotely manipulated by malicious actors, posing cybersecurity and espionage risks.
While few Chinese cars are currently imported to the U.S. due to tariffs, officials fear that these measures may not be sufficient to address the issue. The Commerce Department has initiated an investigation into national security risks associated with connected vehicles from China and other countries deemed hostile to the U.S.
The investigation seeks input from the auto industry and the public to assess risks and propose regulatory measures. The goal is to safeguard privacy and national security before Chinese-manufactured vehicles become more prevalent in the U.S.
As electric vehicles and connected cars become more prevalent, the White House emphasized the need to address vulnerabilities that could be exploited by foreign governments. The investigation marks the first step in implementing executive orders aimed at protecting domestic information and communication technology from security threats.
Concerns have been raised about Chinese automakers potentially gaining a foothold in the U.S. market, especially in the electric vehicle sector. Industry leaders worry about Chinese companies absorbing additional costs to expand exports and compete globally.
The European Union has also expressed concerns about rising imports from China and has initiated a trade investigation into Chinese subsidies for electric vehicles.
