According to Reuters, the United States is considering proposing a ban on Chinese software in autonomous vehicles in the coming weeks due to security apprehensions.
Sources, who chose to remain unidentified, revealed that the Biden administration is preparing to introduce a rule that would prohibit the usage of Chinese software in American vehicles equipped with Level 3 automation and higher.
This move would not only disallow the incorporation of Chinese software but also impede the testing of autonomous vehicles developed by Chinese companies on US roads.
The US government has already taken steps to restrict the import of Chinese-made electric vehicles by implementing tariffs exceeding 100%. Furthermore, President Joe Biden’s clean energy legislation poses challenges to automakers by making it harder for them to utilize batteries manufactured in China.
Amid escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing, concerns regarding Chinese autonomous vehicle software have started to emerge.
The primary worry of the government pertains to potential threats posed by smart vehicles utilizing Chinese software, as there are fears that such systems could collect sensitive data concerning US citizens and critical infrastructure, subsequently transmitting this data to China.
In addition to the prohibition on Chinese software, the Biden administration is also reportedly planning to block vehicles equipped with advanced wireless communication systems developed in China.
As per the proposal, automakers and suppliers would be required to ensure that their connected vehicle and advanced autonomous vehicle software had not been created by entities from countries deemed as a “foreign entity of concern,” including China.
A spokesperson from the Commerce Department expressed concerns about national security risks associated with connected technologies in smart vehicles, emphasizing the need for caution. On the other hand, the Chinese Embassy in Washington refrained from immediate comments on the matter.
