President Joe Biden’s administration believes that the software and digital connectivity in Chinese-made smart cars could be used to spy on Americans or sabotage vehicles.
On February 29, the US announced the opening of an investigation into potential security risks in smart cars manufactured in China. US authorities believe that sensors, cameras and software on vehicles can be used for surveillance or other malicious purposes.
The investigation takes place in the context of Chinese cars increasingly expanding globally, exporting a series of high-tech models and posing new challenges for Western competitors. While not yet common on American streets, they are becoming more popular in Europe, Asia and other markets.
Chinese automakers such as China’s BYD are expanding their market share globally. (Photo: Tada Images)
President Biden has compared modern cars to smartphones, saying they collect and share a wide range of data about drivers and their daily commutes with the cloud.
“These cars connect to our phones, to navigation systems, to critical infrastructure and to the companies that make them. Smart vehicles from China can collect sensitive data about our citizens and infrastructure and send this data back to China.” Mr. Biden said in a statement. “These vehicles can be accessed or disabled remotely… Why are smart vehicles from China allowed to operate in our country without protection?”
Reply sheet The Washington Post, The investigation, led by the US Department of Commerce, will not place any immediate restrictions on imports or sales of Chinese-made cars, officials said on condition of anonymity. However, the US Department of Commerce has the authority to ban or restrict sales if serious risks are detected.
Many of the vehicles in question are electric cars, but the concern lies not with the electric motor but with the high-tech software, cameras and sensors that could be exploited to collect data or sabotage the vehicle, officials said.
American car manufacturers have expressed concern about fierce competition from Chinese cars. Ford CEO Jim Farley said Chinese automakers like BYD pose the biggest threat in the new electric vehicle market.
Recently, there was news that BYD and fellow companies were looking for factory locations in Mexico, increasing concerns for American automakers. They worry that cars produced here can be imported into the US with fewer trade restrictions under the US-Mexico Trade Agreement (USMCA).
In his statement, Mr. Biden emphasized his desire to protect domestic car manufacturers. “… We will ensure the future of the auto industry is made here in America with American workers.”
US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said the investigation will help them determine whether to act on an executive order from former US President Donald Trump. According to Ms. Raimondo, the investigation was conducted before the Chinese-made vehicles landed in the US “capable of threatening national security”.
(Theo Washington Post)
