Photo:
Connected cars gather vast amounts of sensitive data on drivers and passengers, White House cautions
The White House has initiated an investigation into automobiles manufactured in China and other undisclosed “countries of concern.” The Biden administration has expressed concern over the constant connectivity of cars with drivers’ phones, other vehicles, American infrastructure, and their manufacturers. The use of advanced technologies like driver assist systems in newer car models has raised alarm bells.
According to a statement released by the White House, connected vehicles have the potential to collect sensitive data on drivers and passengers, record detailed information on US infrastructure using cameras and sensors, directly interact with critical infrastructure, and can be remotely controlled or disabled. The administration is worried that foreign governments may exploit these vulnerabilities and use the collected data in ways that jeopardize national security.
The Department of Commerce will spearhead the investigation to assess the extent of technology present in these vehicles that can capture large amounts of data or remotely manipulate them. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the need to gather information from the public to determine whether action should be taken under information and communications technology and services (ICTS) authorities.
The investigation, conducted through an advance notice of proposed rulemaking, aims to identify the technologies and market participants that may require regulation. This marks the first investigation carried out by the Bureau of Industry and Security under Executive Orders from the Trump era, which aimed to protect domestic information and communications technology and services supply chains from national security threats, as stated by the White House.
President Joe Biden has expressed determination to prevent China from dominating the future of the auto market and using unfair practices. He highlighted the potential risks to national security posed by China’s policies, which could flood the US market with their vehicles. The President warned that connected vehicles from China could collect sensitive data about American citizens and infrastructure and transmit it back to the People’s Republic of China. He also stressed the possibility of remote access or disabling of these vehicles.
While cars manufactured in China are not yet widely prevalent on US roads, they are increasingly gaining popularity in other markets, such as Europe. The investigation primarily focuses on the cameras, sensors, and software used in these vehicles, with electric vehicles (EVs) being of particular concern.
This is not the first time the US has investigated Chinese companies over security concerns related to the country’s infrastructure. In the past, the import and sale of telecom networking equipment from Huawei and ZTE were banned due to similar concerns. The government also mandated the removal and replacement of Huawei and ZTE gear in existing infrastructure at significant expense for telecom companies.