White House to ban Chinese, Russian vehicle tech

The Biden administration on Monday proposed federal rules that, if enacted, would prohibit American vehicles from using computer systems developed or linked to Russia or China. The rules include systems that connect by Bluetooth, WiFi, satellite, or cell signal. Such computer systems collect sensitive information about American drivers and U.S. infrastructure, the administration added. The ban also applies to autopilot systems that steer vehicles, the White House said.

Russia and China could use technology to conduct surveillance and sabotage U.S. national security, the administration said. Chinese and Russian entities could also disrupt U.S. infrastructure or impede the vehicles’ operations, the White House said.

So what, in detail, is the administration doing? The U.S. Department of Commerce’s proposed rules would prohibit cars in the 2027 Model Year and beyond from using Chinese and Russian software systems. The rule would also prohibit cars in the 2030 Model Year and beyond from using hardware systems manufactured by Russian or Chinese companies. Some small manufacturers could be exempted from the rules to avoid major industry disruption, the administration said.

Didn’t the Biden administration already act on this months ago? This is the second step in a process the administration began in February, the White House said Monday. President Joe Biden in February said Chinese-manufactured vehicles were effectively smartphones on wheels. Foreign actors could use them to steal drivers’ and passengers’ personal information and observe U.S. infrastructure, he said. He promised his administration would counter the threat.

Dig deeper: Read Mary Muncy’s report in The Sift about how China is reportedly funneling fentanyl into the United States.