Biden Administration Proposes Ban on Chinese Software in Vehicles

Original Report: www.nytimes.com(full story)

The Biden administration has proposed a ban on Chinese-developed software in internet-connected cars in the U.S., citing national security concerns. This initiative aims to prevent Chinese intelligence from monitoring American movements or exploiting vehicle electronics to access the U.S. electric grid and other critical infrastructure. This move follows prior actions against Chinese products, such as the ban on Huawei equipment and investigations into Chinese cranes at American ports. The administration perceives these actions as necessary to address significant cyber vulnerabilities and maintain national security. The initiative is expected to become a permanent rule before President Biden’s term ends on January 20. It aligns with earlier decisions, like imposing 100 percent tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, which were deemed heavily subsidized. Biden framed this tariff as a measure to protect American jobs. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan highlighted that technologies in connected vehicles can gather extensive data and connect with various devices and critical infrastructure, increasing vulnerabilities, especially from foreign manufacturers like those in China.