The U.S. Department of Commerce’s 60-day public comment period on the national security concerns of connected cars ended this week, with a major transportation group issuing a grave warning about the potential threat to the U.S. auto industry.
These threats surround the potential for foreign adversaries, particularly China, to leverage connected car technology to steal users’ sensitive data information and even launch cyber attacks.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) lists connected vehicle technology as “any application or system that uses V2X communications to address roadway safety, system efficiency, and mobility.”
Additionally, the technology uses “data from short-range communications broadcasts and peer-to-peer exchanges within approximately 300 meters to ‘sense’ what other travelers are doing and identify potential hazards.” To do. according to to DOT.
But that information could be at risk due to sophisticated Chinese-made parts in vehicles in the automotive supply chain.
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As a result, the Biden administration in February launched an investigation to address the national security risks posed by connected cars that incorporate technology from China and other potential adversaries.
The White House said in a statement that the large amount of sensitive data in connected cars, including cameras and sensors, poses significant risks.
“Connected cars collect vast amounts of sensitive data about drivers and passengers, regularly use cameras and sensors to record detailed information about America’s infrastructure, interact directly with critical infrastructure, and remotely maneuver or disable it. “You can do something like that,” he said. statement read.
“Connected vehicles that rely on technology and data systems from countries of concern, including the People’s Republic of China, can be exploited in ways that threaten national security. “We are imposing extensive restrictions on vehicles,” the White House added.
The White House launched an investigation into connected cars on February 29, 2024.
Now, Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE), a leading industry group, has released comments requested by the Commerce Department on the issue, outlining the risks this technology poses to U.S. national security.
“Foreign adversaries are cornering and exploiting key supply chains to achieve their geopolitical and economic objectives, and the result is that the U.S. “This could range from cyber-attacks on the mainland to the collection of sensitive or strategic information.” (Remo).
“The scope, scale, and urgency of this national security risk come at a time when the automotive industry is undergoing a period of transformation. The focus is on accelerating the integration of these technologies and protecting them from vulnerabilities and disruptions. It should be about ensuring the integrity of the technology while protecting ‘foreign adversaries,”’ Ashe continued.
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In comments to the Commerce Department, SAFE’s ReMo said Chinese companies have a “monopoly on the production” of many essential car parts.
ReMo further said that China typically enters the U.S. auto market as a supplier of parts manufactured in Canada and Mexico, rather than directly shipping fully assembled vehicles.
As a result, in 2023, “Mexico became the largest supplier of auto parts to the United States, with China in third place, but China was also Mexico’s second largest supplier of auto parts,” SAFE said. I told you.
Through this process, China could theoretically benefit from the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) free trade agreement starting in 2020 while avoiding any tariffs.
Asked about the tariffs, Ashe told FOX Business that they are generally working, but more needs to be done.
Newer cars are considered most at risk. (image/image)
“The 27.5% tariff the US has imposed on Chinese cars has kept their market share near zero, even as imports to Europe have soared. With reports that the company is considering opening one, many are speculating that part of it is to enter the U.S. market and avoid U.S. tariffs,” Ashe said.
“This Commerce Department investigation begins the process of adding another tool to the toolkit that the current or future administration can use to prevent its termination on national security grounds without compromising USMCA. ” said ReMo Secretary-General.
Elsewhere, the Commerce Department investigation has drawn the attention of members of Congress, with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle expressing support for cracking down on the technology.
“Chinese automakers already have self-driving cars here, using them for surveillance and data collection, while banning American cars from their roads,” said Debbie, D-Mich. -Congressman Dingell wrote in an article. statement when the investigation was announced.
“The United States has an opportunity to usher in a new era of mobility and maintain leadership at the forefront of the global auto industry. We must do so in a way that protects the privacy and safety of Americans and strengthens our national security. ” Dingell added.
Meanwhile, the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Communist Party of China is also interested in the topic as it seeks to further limit China’s ability to steal American information.
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The committee, which is already grappling with issues such as China’s spike lane scandal and the beleaguered app TikTok, said connected cars are a new way for China to exploit U.S. vulnerabilities. ing.
Select Committee Chairman John Moolener (R-Mich.) told FOX Business, “Allowing Chinese internet-connected vehicles to drive on U.S. roads means that Xi Jinping’s global surveillance state has no control over American drivers. We invite you to join us in the passenger seat.”
“We need a level playing field. If China is going to ban American cars from Chinese roads, then China-based automakers shouldn’t have public roads in the United States,” he said. concluded.
