The Biden administration has recently introduced a new initiative to safeguard U.S. national security by addressing the potential risks associated with connected vehicle technologies originating from China and Russia. This initiative, as detailed in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) issued by the Department of Commerce, aims to prohibit the import and sale of connected vehicles and related components designed or manufactured by entities linked to these nations.
The NPRM specifically focuses on Vehicle Connectivity Systems (VCS) and Automated Driving Systems (ADS), which encompass technologies such as Bluetooth, satellite, cellular, and Wi-Fi modules that enable vehicles to connect with external networks and, in the case of ADS, operate autonomously. The administration’s primary concern revolves around the possibility of these systems being exploited for surveillance, data collection, and infrastructure disruption by foreign actors, particularly from China and Russia.
The Biden-Harris administration has underlined the escalating vulnerability posed by the advancing sophistication of connected vehicles. While these vehicles offer convenience, enhanced safety features, and autonomous driving capabilities, they also introduce new security risks. The integrated computer systems in these vehicles gather sensitive data, including information about the movements of vehicles, passengers, and critical U.S. infrastructure. This extensive connectivity, entwined with the nation’s digital networks, creates a potential avenue for foreign adversaries to exploit.
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo has highlighted the potential risks associated with foreign adversaries having access to data from cameras, microphones, GPS tracking, and other technologies in modern vehicles. The proposed rule is an essential proactive measure to counter this emerging threat and protect national security and the privacy of U.S. citizens.
The proposed rule aims to ban the import or sale of vehicles incorporating VCS or ADS technologies associated with China or Russia. This ban extends to components manufactured by entities with ties to these nations, ensuring that U.S. automotive supply chains remain free of foreign technology that could pose a security risk. The implementation timeline for these restrictions spans over the coming years, with software restrictions beginning with the 2027 model year and hardware prohibitions for the 2030 model year.
The announcement of this initiative is part of the Biden administration’s broader strategy to bolster the U.S. automotive industry and national security. Previous actions, such as increasing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and tying eligibility for an electric vehicle tax credit to final assembly in North America, demonstrate the administration’s commitment to protecting American interests and reducing reliance on potentially compromising foreign suppliers.
Stakeholders, including industry players, consumer advocates, and national security experts, are invited to provide further feedback on the proposed rule. The Department of Commerce will engage with industry leaders, U.S. allies, and other parties to refine the rule and ensure that it achieves the desired security outcomes while minimizing disruptions to the automotive sector.
As the rulemaking process advances, the Biden administration remains focused on addressing challenges from foreign adversaries in the automotive supply chain. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized the administration’s dedication to maintaining secure and resilient supply chains to mitigate risks effectively.
The proposed rule, still in the public comment phase, underscores the administration’s commitment to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure the safety of U.S. citizens by targeting connected vehicle technologies from countries of concern. The administration is clear in its message that decisive action will be taken to protect national security amidst evolving threats posed by foreign actors in the automotive sector.