September 23, 2024 at 10:00AM
The Commerce Department plans to ban the sale of connected and autonomous vehicles in the U.S. equipped with Chinese and Russian software and hardware by 2027-2030, citing national security concerns. This preemptive measure aims to protect against potential threats of data exposure and external control of vehicles, with implications for the automotive industry and public safety.
After reviewing the meeting notes, here are the key takeaways:
– The Commerce Department is seeking a ban on the sale of connected and autonomous vehicles in the U.S. equipped with Chinese and Russian software and hardware to protect national security and U.S. drivers.
– The prohibitions on the software would take effect for the 2027 model year and the prohibitions on hardware would take effect for the 2030 model year, or Jan. 1, 2029, for units without a model year.
– The measure is aimed at preventing potential security threats posed by microphones, cameras, GPS tracking, Bluetooth, and other features in cars that could make Americans more vulnerable to bad actors and expose personal information.
– The ban would include vehicles made in the U.S. using Chinese and Russian technology.
– The proposed rule would prohibit the import and sale of vehicles with Russia and China-manufactured software and hardware that allows the vehicle to communicate externally through Bluetooth, cellular, satellite, or Wi-Fi modules, and software components that collectively allow a highly autonomous vehicle to operate without a driver behind the wheel.
– The Commerce Department is inviting public comments before finalizing the new rule, with a deadline for comments being 30 days after the publication of the rule.
– The rule follows earlier steps by the Biden administration to reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese products, including electric vehicles, and strengthen the domestic industry.