US to Propose Ban on Smart Vehicles Using Chinese, Russian Tech Over Security Concerns

The US Commerce Department plans to ban the sale or import of smart vehicles containing specific Chinese or Russian technologies, citing national security risks. From 2027, software restrictions will begin, followed by hardware restrictions in 2030. The proposal aims to prevent remote hacking and data collection on US drivers.

The US Commerce Department is set to propose a ban on the sale or import of smart vehicles that incorporate certain Chinese or Russian technologies due to national security concerns, CNN reported, citing US officials. US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced during a Sunday conference call that a government probe started in February identified numerous security risks from Chinese and Russian embedded software and hardware in US vehicles, including potential remote hacking and personal data collection on drivers.

Raimondo stated, "In extreme situations, a foreign adversary could shut down or take control of all their vehicles operating in the United States, all at the same time, causing crashes or blocking roads." She highlighted that the proposed ban would not affect cars already on US roads that have the software installed. Upcoming regulations will target vehicles from the 2027 model year for software bans and the 2030 model year for hardware bans. This move is part of a broader US strategy to secure future technology supply chains against foreign adversaries.

The proposed rule will cover all "connected vehicles," encompassing modern cars, buses, and trucks with network connections for roadside assistance, satellite communications, and other features. There will be a 30-day public comment period on the proposal, with the Commerce Department aiming to finalize the regulation before the end of the Biden administration. The plan isn't driven by protectionism, Raimondo emphasized, but purely by national security needs.

National security advisor Jake Sullivan added that the US has found substantial proof of China planting malware in critical infrastructure for potential disruption and sabotage. The Chinese government, however, has denied these allegations, urging the US to foster a fair and transparent business environment for Chinese firms. The backdrop of this proposed ban includes a June decision by the US Commerce Department to ban products from Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab due to similar concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)