WASHINGTON – The United States has finalized a new rule that bans the use of Chinese and Russian technology in passenger vehicles, citing national security risks associated with software and hardware from these countries.
The rule, which applies to passenger vehicles weighing under 10,001 pounds, aims to block the integration of technologies like cameras, microphones, GPS tracking, and other connectivity systems from adversary nations. This move is part of the broader effort by the Biden administration to tighten restrictions on China and Russia, particularly in sectors where national security concerns are heightened.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the growing role of technology in modern vehicles, saying, “Cars today aren’t just steel on wheels – they’re computers.” The new regulation will prevent any car, even those manufactured in the US, from using components linked to Chinese or Russian entities that provide external connectivity or autonomous driving capabilities.
The restriction will apply to vehicles of model year 2027 and later for software and model year 2030 for hardware. It also prohibits the import of technology from China or Russia that could potentially compromise sensitive data or disrupt vehicle systems.
National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard further warned that China seeks to dominate the future of the auto industry, with connected vehicles being seen as a significant point of vulnerability for data misuse or interference.
This move is part of a broader strategy by the Biden administration to limit foreign influence in critical technologies, including artificial intelligence, with Biden issuing an executive order on Tuesday aimed at accelerating AI infrastructure development in the US. However, many of these policies, including the restrictions on foreign tech in cars, will be overseen by President-elect Donald Trump, who is expected to make significant changes to government strategies once he takes office.