The US government announced a plan to ban certain technologies made in China and Russia from usage in smart cars. This technology is vital because it enables vehicles to connect to the internet and utilize Bluetooth. Such features enable smart cars to exchange information with other devices, even in some emergency cases. However, using technology from these countries poses a danger in the view of the U.S. government.
The worst scenario in this technology is the hacking possibility of American cars. Imagine how anyone can access vehicles from far away with control over them. They can plan accidents or steal private data of the drivers. These things worry the Biden administration most. Today, cars have a lot of connected features like cameras and GPS. In case these accounts fall into the hands of a foreign enemy, then it’s at the risk of our national security and privacy.
Why is this ban important?
The U.S. Commerce Department is taking action against these risks. They want to keep Chinese and Russian technology away from American roads. The proposed ban will stop the sale and importation of cars that carry this technology. This can also include countries which the U.S. sees as a threat.
The ban will start to affect the software in 2027, and the one on the hardware will begin in 2030. Therefore, no new vehicles featuring technology that comes from these countries will be given permission to drive on American roads after those dates. Moreover, it is set that Chinese companies will be banned to test their self-driving cars in the U.S. Still, the cars which are already in the roads with Chinese software will not be affected by the ban.
The Risks and Benefits of Connected Vehicles
Connected vehicles have many pros to them. For example, they provide drivers with real-time information about traffic flow. They also enhance the improvements of navigation systems and enhance features making a vehicle safer. On the other hand, these vehicles carry risks with them. One such severe risk is related to data security and cybersecurity, where an intrusion in the software of a vehicle may lead to critical accidents like crashes or even unsafe thefts of private data.
This would be a matter of national security for the government to protect the U.S. citizens. It wants assurance that there is no potential risk with regard to the technology that will be used in the cars in this country. The ban proposal explains why this ban is so important for all people.
Public Input and Next Steps
The US Department of Commerce is now soliciting public comment on the new ban proposed. The administration has given public thirty days to comment on the proposed plan. The final decision will come before January 20th, next year. This is the time wherein citizens’ voices about the proposal can be aired. Any concerns can be aired publicly.
Effectiveness on US-China Relations
This is part of a trend in which tensions between the U.S. and China are heightening. The U.S. has already imposed tariffs on batteries and minerals, and it has an import duty of 100 percent on electric vehicles imported from China. Exportation of semiconductors to China is also barred.
The U.S. stands up against what it considers to be an unfair trade practice. It is protecting American industries and consumers from perceived potential threats of foreign technology.
Understanding the Proposed Ban on Chinese and Russian Technology in Smart Vehicles
Conclusion
The U.S. government‘s move to ban Chinese and Russian technology in smart vehicles is indeed a step that could be considered meaningful to take care of national security. How smart cars benefit in numerous ways, risks cannot be ignored associated with foreign technologies. Thus, to avoid such risks, the U.S. is taking proactive measures so that the roads remain safe and secure for every driver.
As the situation unfolds, citizens will have to keep themselves informed and engaged. The course of smart vehicles and the use of technology in America is decided in the coming months.