The United States is dedicated to maintaining the superiority of American automakers and their workforce globally. However, the emergence of Chinese automakers aiming to saturate the US and global auto markets presents fresh challenges to national security.
(Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images) US President Joe Biden delivered remarks on advancing the safe, secure, and trustworthy development and use of artificial intelligence in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on October 30, 2023.
Investigating Chinese-Made Vehicles
The United States is initiating an investigation into automobiles manufactured in China due to security apprehensions. This investigation also encompasses cars produced in unspecified countries of concern.
According to the White House in its official press release, modern vehicles gather extensive data on drivers and passengers, communicate with various devices, including phones and other cars, as well as interact with American infrastructure and their manufacturers.
The White House underscored the extensive data collection capabilities of connected vehicles, highlighting how they gather sensitive information about both drivers and passengers. This includes detailed data on US infrastructure, which is continuously recorded through cameras and sensors.
Moreover, the statement raised concerns about the ability to remotely control or disable such vehicles, posing potential risks to national security. The emphasis was placed on the possibility of foreign governments accessing this data, which could lead to new vulnerabilities and threats.
This heightened caution stems from worries that adversaries could exploit such information to compromise national security interests.
Leading the Investigation
The Department of Commerce is set to spearhead the inquiry. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the necessity of comprehending the technological capabilities embedded within these vehicles, which can gather extensive data or exert remote control over connected vehicles.
The department is actively seeking information to evaluate potential actions under its information and communications technology and services (ICTS) jurisdiction.
President Joe Biden emphasized China's ambition to control the automotive industry's future through unfair means, expressing concern over the potential flooding of the U.S. market with Chinese vehicles. Under his administration, President Biden asserted that they will not allow such actions.
In an official statement, He highlighted the threat posed by connected vehicles manufactured in China, warning that they could gather sensitive data on American citizens and infrastructure and transmit it to the Chinese government, potentially allowing remote access or disabling capabilities.
Chinese-made cars may not be prevalent on American roads yet, but their presence is growing in other markets like Europe. While electric vehicles (EVs) are among those raising concerns, it's the cars' technology that's under scrutiny in the investigation.
This isn't the first time the US has looked into Chinese companies over security worries regarding infrastructure. Previously, it prohibited the import and sale of telecom networking equipment from Huawei and ZTE, along with banning government employees from using their phones.
Additionally, telecoms were mandated to remove and replace Huawei and ZTE equipment from existing infrastructure, incurring significant costs.
