The Department of Commerce is gearing up to make a significant move in the ongoing battle between global superpowers over the future of advanced vehicles. According to reports, the DOC is preparing to propose a rule that would ban Chinese software from being used in advanced autonomous vehicles and connected vehicles. This rule would impact Level 3 autonomous vehicles and above, including vehicles that can self-drive but still require a driver, all the way to robo-taxi vehicles that operate without drivers.
If this rule is implemented, it would mark a significant shift for Chinese autonomous vehicle makers who have enjoyed relatively lenient regulations in the U.S. up to this point. Automakers and suppliers would need to ensure that they are not using advanced autonomous software from China or other „foreign entities of concern“ in their vehicles. This would mean that Chinese companies would no longer be able to test autonomous vehicles in the U.S., a move that government officials have deemed necessary for national security reasons.
Chinese companies have been quietly testing autonomous vehicles in the U.S. for years, with vehicles logging over 1.8 million miles in California alone since 2017. These vehicles are equipped with advanced technology such as cameras, microphones, and lidar sensors, raising concerns among U.S. officials that China could potentially use the data collected for military purposes. In contrast, China does not allow U.S. self-driving car companies to operate within its borders without passing stringent data security tests.
The lack of regulations surrounding Chinese-made autonomous vehicles in the U.S. has raised alarms among government officials. While several government agencies oversee the regulation of these vehicles, there are few rules in place regarding how and where companies store their data. This stands in stark contrast to the strict regulations in place in China, where U.S. companies must adhere to stringent data storage requirements.
The U.S. has recently taken steps to address the national security risks posed by Chinese vehicles, particularly low-cost electric vehicles. President Biden increased tariffs on imported Chinese EVs to 102.5% in May, and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo expressed concerns about detailed data from autonomous vehicles being sent abroad. Raimondo highlighted the vast amount of information collected by these vehicles, questioning whether it is safe for all that data to be sent to Beijing.
The Commerce Department, through the Bureau of Industry and Security, is set to issue a notice of proposed rule-making focusing on specific systems of concern within connected vehicles. Industry players will have the opportunity to review the proposed rule and provide feedback. The department remains committed to safeguarding national security in an ever-evolving threat environment and will work with industry stakeholders to achieve this goal.
In conclusion, the impending rule proposed by the Department of Commerce marks a significant development in the ongoing battle over the future of advanced vehicles. With concerns about national security and data privacy at the forefront, the U.S. government is taking steps to ensure that Chinese-made autonomous vehicles do not pose a threat to the country’s interests. Industry players will need to adapt to these new regulations as they navigate the rapidly changing landscape of autonomous vehicles.