U.S. Targets Chinese Tech: New Rules Could Ban Chinese Software from Self-Driving Cars

The United States is poised to implement a ban on Chinese software in autonomous and connected vehicles.

According to Reuters, the Biden administration plans to introduce regulations prohibiting the use of Chinese software in Level 3 and higher autonomous vehicles within the U.S. This ban would extend to preventing Chinese companies from conducting road tests of autonomous vehicles on American roads.

Sources indicate that the Biden administration is preparing regulations to block vehicles equipped with advanced wireless communication modules developed in China from accessing U.S. roads.

If these regulations are enacted, automakers and parts suppliers must verify that the software used in their autonomous and connected vehicles does not originate from countries classified as Foreign Entity of Concern (FEO), such as China.

A spokesperson from the Department of Commerce emphasized concerns about national security risks associated with connectivity technology in connected cars.

Previously, U.S. lawmakers raised concerns about Chinese companies gathering and managing sensitive data during autonomous vehicle road tests in the country. Investigations were launched into major Chinese firms, including Baidu, NIO, Didi Chuxing, and XPeng. In response, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo expressed significant apprehensions regarding the security risks of Chinese autonomous vehicles.

In July, the Department of Commerce announced plans to unveil regulations about connected cars in August, intending to restrict the use of software from adversarial nations, including China. However, the Department of Commerce wants to seek industry feedback before finalizing regulations targeting Chinese software.

According to the Bureau of Industry and Security, the White House and the Department of State discussed security threats associated with connected vehicles with allies and industry leaders.

Representatives from South Korea, Australia, Canada, the European Union (EU), Germany, India, Japan, Spain, and the United Kingdom participated in these discussions, focusing on data and cybersecurity risks related to connected vehicles and specific components.

While there has not yet been a comment on the U.S. plan to ban Chinese software, it is anticipated that Chinese companies will strongly oppose the measure due to the anticipated impact on their operations.