The US is considering banning Chinese software in self-driving cars

Washington DC really wants to make it difficult for the Chinese auto and related industry in the US. The Commerce Ministry will soon come up with a plan to ban the use of Chinese software in self-driving cars at Level 3 and above. Testing of such Chinese-origin vehicles on US roads is also no longer permitted.

News from Reuters comes from the same and apparently well-informed sources that cars with wireless communication modules made by Chinese companies could be banned from US roads. Automakers and suppliers operating in the US must therefore verify that software for self-driving and ‘connected’ vehicles does not come from China or other countries deemed hostile.

Angry Chinese

The ban will come into force from this month. Although it has yet to be officially confirmed, a spokesperson for the US Department of Commerce has already said that the government is concerned about potential national security risks from using that type of technology. The Bureau of Industry and Security of the Ministry concerned proposes a provision “Targets specific systems in vehicles about them.” Industry will have an opportunity to revisit the issue and generate feedback.

A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington has already responded that electric vehicles are a globalized industry. “Only cooperation can bring mutual benefits and only fair competition can bring technological progress” the statement began. The embassy added:China urges the US government to adhere to market principles and international trade rules, and to create a level playing field for companies from all countries. China will vigorously defend its legal rights and interests.“

Eavesdropping on conversations

The White House and the US State Department recently organized a meeting with representatives of various ‘friendly’ countries, including the European Union, to discuss the security risks posed by connected vehicle technology. Views were exchanged on cyber security for such cars and parts. During that meeting, details of a planned, or at least desired, embargo by the US government were reportedly released.

Last year, US lawmakers raised concerns about Chinese companies collecting and processing sensitive data while testing self-driving cars in the US. They had already traveled about 725,000 kilometers with it in California. Americans’ fears are mainly about using software to listen in on passengers’ conversations and even control cars. In May of this year, Economic Affairs Minister Gina Raimondo said the risks to national security were significant and action needed to be taken.