The U.S. government is considering a ban on Chinese software used in connected cars and autonomous vehicles, highlighting concerns over national security and the necessity of protecting sensitive data. If enacted, this prohibition would encompass 2027 model-year vehicles and would be monitored by the U.S. Department of Commerce as part of the Biden administration’s efforts to bolster defenses against potential threats from China, as reported by the New York Times.
As we navigate the era of the Internet of Things, the concept of the Internet of Cars is becoming increasingly crucial. The U.S. aims to ensure that so-called “countries of concern” do not gain access to the data of its citizens or infiltrate its infrastructure. While Russia and China are identified as such countries, the NYT notes that “Russians produce almost nothing that could be banned,” whereas Chinese companies like Foxconn and Geely create hardware and software that are prevalent in American households.
The intended ban is designed to stop Chinese intelligence from monitoring U.S. citizens through their vehicles and to prevent access to critical infrastructure like power grids via networked cars. This concern is significant given the highly connected nature of cars in 2024.
National security advisors emphasize that modern vehicles rely on technologies that gather extensive data about drivers and frequently connect with other American devices. They express alarm over “Volt Typhoon,” a Chinese initiative allegedly aimed at penetrating U.S. power systems, waterways, and critical infrastructure. U.S. intelligence bodies, along with the FBI, worry that Chinese software could be activated during emergencies, such as an attempt to invade Taiwan, to incapacitate American military establishments, according to the NYT.
In contrast to the substantial tariffs previously enforced on Chinese-manufactured cars, the current administration clarifies that this software ban is not a trade maneuver or aimed at securing an economic advantage. Rather, it is framed as a “national security action,” potentially laying the groundwork for broader prohibitions that could later extend to include Chinese drones and all vehicles on public roads. The objective is to prohibit any Chinese software embedded in devices that might be employed to access U.S. infrastructure or extract data from American citizens.
Although there are currently few Chinese-manufactured cars on U.S. streets, officials characterize this as a preemptive measure. Given the rapid pace at which manufacturers are innovating in software-defined vehicles and autonomous cars in China, it is likely that attempts will be made to create electric and autonomous vehicles designed for American roads using Chinese software. Biden’s proposed restrictions would outlaw Chinese software by 2027 and any associated hardware enabling vehicle connectivity by 2030.
.
