The Biden administration in the United States announced on February 29, 2024, plans to investigate the national security risks of Chinese-made connected cars. The investigation does not guarantee a potential ban and will respond to national security issues, not economic dimensions.
President Joe Biden expressed his concerns about safeguarding the American automobile industry in a statement released with the announcement. He stated that China might flood the US market with cars, resorting to unfair trade practices, and could threaten national security. He also added that he would not let that happen during his presidency.
Most cars today are connected, much like a smartphone on wheels. These cars connect to cell phones, navigation systems, critical infrastructure, and the companies that made them. Biden argued that China’s connected vehicles can collect sensitive data and send this data back to the People’s Republic of China through US citizens and infrastructure.
The Detroit News pointed out that this announcement stems from competition between the Biden administration and Republican presidential candidate Trump.
Meanwhile, according to an analysis by the Detroit News, this investigation is partly in response to regulations affecting American vehicles in China.
A Biden administration official said the department has no schedule to provide specific proposals for potential restrictions or a complete ban on Chinese vehicles. However, they will focus on models produced in China.
The US government defines connected cars as vehicles communicating through onboard network hardware and car software systems, dedicated short-range communications, cellular connections, satellite communications, or other wireless spectrum connections with other networks or devices.
“Connected cars collect a lot of sensitive data about drivers and passengers. They regularly record detailed information about the United States using cameras and sensors. They interact directly with critical infrastructure and can be remotely controlled or deactivated,” it pointed out.
As Chinese companies, including BYD, consider building production plants in Mexico and advancing into the North American market, the US government’s response is intensifying.
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