The U.S. Commerce Department is set to propose a new rule that could significantly impact the automotive industry.
The upcoming proposal aims to ban Chinese software from being used in autonomous and connected vehicles in the United States.
Under this rule, vehicles with Level 3 automation and higher would be affected. This means that testing of Chinese-made autonomous vehicles on U.S. roads could also be prohibited.
The rule would also target vehicles using advanced wireless communication modules developed in China.
Automakers and suppliers will need to prove that their connected vehicle software, including advanced autonomous systems, does not come from any “foreign entity of concern,” such as China. The goal is to address national security risks associated with these technologies.
This proposal follows concerns about the potential for Chinese technology to be used for data collection or vehicle control, which could pose security risks.
The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security will focus on specific systems within vehicles and will allow industry feedback on the proposed rule.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington has not yet commented, but the Chinese foreign ministry has previously emphasized that the U.S. should respect market competition and fair practices.
The rule is part of broader efforts by the Biden administration to manage national security risks related to connected technologies.
