WASHINGTON: The US Department of Commerce has proposed a rule to prohibit the import or sale of connected vehicles integrating certain software and hardware with a “nexus” to China or Russia, citing national security concerns.
Protecting sensitive data
The department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published a notice of the proposed rule amid concerns that those cars with cameras, sensors, software and other components — manufactured in China — could be used to glean sensitive data about drivers and passengers, as well as U.S. infrastructure.
The rule is expected to lead South Korean automakers to readjust their supply chains if they have used prohibited software and components from China. But the measure would make it difficult for their potential Chinese competitors to enter the US market, observers said, reports Yonhap news agency.
The prohibitions on software would take effect for the 2027 model year, and those on hardware would go into force for the 2030 model year, or January 1, 2029, for units without a model year, the department said.
The rule focuses on hardware and software integrated into the Vehicle Connectivity System (VCS) and software integrated into the Automated Driving System (ADS).
The VCS refers to the set of systems that allow the vehicle to communicate externally, including telematics control units, Bluetooth, cellular, satellite and Wi-Fi modules, according to the department. The ADS includes the components that collectively allow a highly autonomous vehicle to operate without a driver behind the wheel. The department called the proposed rule a “proactive” measure designed to protect national security, saying it has found that certain technologies originating from China or Russia present an “undue” risk to U.S. critical infrastructure.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan cast the rule as “strong action” to protect American people, US critical infrastructure and automotive supply chains from national security risks associated with connected vehicles.
Exempted vehicles
The proposed rule would apply to all wheeled on-road vehicles, such as cars, trucks and buses, but would exclude vehicles not used on public roads, like agricultural or mining vehicles.
It would also prohibit manufacturers with a connection to China or Russia from selling connected vehicles that incorporate VCS hardware or software, or ADS software in the US, even if the vehicle was made in the US.
