The US wants to ban internet-connected cars and car operating systems of Russian and Chinese origin in the coming years, the Commerce Department, the US economic ministry, announced. Concerns about security and espionage are said to be at the origin of the ban. ‘In extreme situations, a foreign state could immobilize or take over all their cars, perhaps all at once, which could lead to accidents and disruption,’ said Gina Raimondo, the responsible minister.
Share is relatively limited
If the proposal is accepted, Chinese software will no longer be allowed on American roads, not even for testing. The ban should apply to vehicles that have a connection to a wider network via Bluetooth or satellite, for example. The share of Chinese cars in the United States is very small, that of Russian cars even (much) smaller. The rule therefore seems to be made primarily to block an influx of new Chinese electric cars.
Networked car software is to be banned by 2027, while hardware will be banned from 2029. The ministry will first hold a consultation round before any rules are actually introduced.
In collaboration with Data News