The Biden administration has launched an investigation into Chinese-made “smart cars” due to concerns over potential national security risks associated with data collection capabilities. Officials fear that sophisticated technology in these vehicles could allow China to track drivers and gather sensitive information, prompting calls for increased regulation to protect Americans’ privacy. While no ban on Chinese imports has been imposed, President Biden asserts his commitment to safeguarding national security and vows to prevent China’s dominance in the auto market. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasizes the serious risks posed by connected vehicles, likening them to “smart phones on wheels” and highlighting the potential for cyberattacks and espionage.
Connected cars are seen as a significant national security risk due to their ability to collect vast amounts of sensitive data on drivers, including personal and biometric information. Commerce Secretary Raimondo warns of the potential for foreign adversaries like China to exploit this data, posing threats to both national security and the privacy of U.S. citizens. Additionally, concerns are raised about the possibility of connected vehicles being remotely manipulated by malicious actors, further underscoring the urgency of addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the automotive sector.
The investigation marks the Biden administration’s first action under executive orders aimed at protecting domestic information and communications technology from national security threats. The Commerce Department plans to solicit input from the auto industry and the public to assess the nature of the risks posed by connected vehicles from China and other countries deemed hostile to the United States. The ultimate goal is to develop regulations that govern the use of technology in vehicles from these countries and mitigate potential security threats before they become widespread in the United States.
