Along with allegations of unfair trade practices, concerns revolving around Chinese vehicle software have remained at the forefront of recent discussions regarding why those types of vehicles shouldn’t be sold in the U.S. Both President Joe Biden and an array of automotive executives have expressed concerns that Chinese vehicle software could threaten national security, in fact, by collecting data and then relaying it back to that country. Soon, that same Chinese vehicle software may be subject to additional regulation, too.
According to Reuters, the U.S. Commerce Department plans to issue new rules pertaining to connected vehicles, in general, next month, and will also reportedly impose limits on software stemming from China and other countries of concern. “We’re looking at a few components and some software – not the whole car – but it would be some of the key driver components of the vehicle that manage the software and manage the data around that car that would have to be made in an allied country,” said export controls chief Alan Estevez.
“A car is a very scary thing. Your car knows a lot about you. Your car probably gets a software update, whether it’s an electric vehicle or an autonomous combustion engine vehicle,” Estevez added. “A modern car has a lot of software in it. It’s taking lots of pictures. It has a drive system. It’s connected to your phone. It knows who you call. It knows where you go. It knows a lot about you.”
Along with the Biden Administration – which recently raised tariffs on imported Chinese vehicles and raw materials – Ford CEO Jim Farley recently stated his own concerns pertaining to the possible national security threats posed by Chinese autos, though the exec is also admitted worried about the fact that cheap EVs from that country – such as the BYD Seagull, which retails for less than $10k – would be rather disruptive if they wind up being sold in the U.S.
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Comment
Chinese car makers send data to the Chinese government. US car makers send data to anyone willing to pay for it! I’m not sure which is worse. Either way, we’re screwed. I don’t want any manufacturer collecting data about me at all.