US To Probe If Chinese Cars Pose Data Security Risks

The US government is opening an investigation into whether Chinese vehicle imports pose national security risks.

The government said that it could impose restrictions on connected car technology, Reuters reported.

Connected car technology enables a car to connect with the surroundings through sensors. These cars can communicate with other vehicles, traffic infrastructure and online services, providing drivers with real-time information and enhancing safety, comfort, and convenience.

The probe is required as vehicles “collect large amounts of sensitive data on their drivers and passengers (and) regularly use their cameras and sensors to record detailed information on US infrastructure,” the White House said. The probe will also look at autonomous vehicles.

“China’s policies could flood our market with its vehicles, posing risks to our national security. I’m not going to let that happen on my watch,” US President Joe Biden said in a statement.

The effort is an “unprecedented action to ensure that cars on U.S. roads from countries of concern like China do not undermine our national security,” Biden added.

Officials however did not mention if a decision would be taken on a potential ban.

Chinese electrical car makers have said that they would want to expand their business across Asia and Europe and have plans to sell their cars in the US market.

White House said that China poses significant restrictions on US autos and other foreign autos operating in China. “Why should connected vehicles from China be allowed to operate in our country without safeguards?” Biden said.

Modern electronic devices may have cellular modules embedded in them. These modules are small components embedded within equipment or devices. They include software processing, geolocation capability, e-sims and other peripheral components. They establish internet connections across mobile networks in order to transmit, receive and process vast amounts of data .

Over the years, the Chinese government has strengthened its data management within the country and most industries need to apply for permission to transfer data abroad.