Skip advert
Advertisement

US moves to ban high-tech car parts from China and Russia amid spyware and hacking fears

Biden administration acts over concerns tech could be used to collect data on citizens or manipulate vehicles

Zeekr X - screen

The US government has proposed a ban on Chinese or Russian-made software and hardware for any vehicle that features an internet connection, citing fears over data security and the possibility of remote activation of critical features.

The proposal comes from the US Commerce Department, and follows previous action designed to crack down on the potential for Chinese companies to build market share in the country’s automotive sector - including the 100 per cent tariff levied on Chinese electric cars earlier this year.

Advertisement - Article continues below

US lawmakers are taking what they consider to be precautionary measures, after watching Europe throw open its doors to Chinese vehicle imports, and the flood of vehicles that has ensued. The Financial Times reports US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo as saying: “We know the Chinese playbook. They subsidise, so we’re not going to wait until our roads are filled with cars and the risk is extremely significant,”

The new rule should become law before the end of the Biden administration, and come into effect from 2027. According to the FT and other reports, US officials are assuming the measure will effectively prohibit any new Chinese - or Russian - vehicles from entering the country.

While there are relatively few Chinese cars on US roads currently, the same can’t be said for Chinese-made technology, which is why there’s a delay until 2027 in order for car makers to reassess their supply chains. Batteries aren’t included in the ban, however, which only covers components associated with the vehicle’s connectivity systems.

When unveiling its proposals, the US Commerce Department laid out a range of theoretical risks including the possibility of bad actors collecting data on where drivers live or work, or even shutting down roads by causing crashes or traffic jams.

Get more car news, video, pictures and exclusive content on our Facebook page...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Current affairs and features editor

Chris covers all aspects of motoring life for Auto Express. Over a long career he has contributed news and car reviews to brands such as Autocar, WhatCar?, PistonHeads, Goodwood and The Motor Trader.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Kia UK boss calls for clear ZEV roadmap, plus “modest” consumer incentives
Kia's UK boss, Paul Philpott standing next to a Kia EV6

Kia UK boss calls for clear ZEV roadmap, plus “modest” consumer incentives

Brand CEO says ZEV mandate is a threat, asking for clarity from the Labour government
News
6 Jan 2025
Car finance scandal: Supreme Court hearing could halve number of claimants
Finance contract, car key and calculator on desk

Car finance scandal: Supreme Court hearing could halve number of claimants

Scandal involving car finance commission could see motorists entitled to billions of pounds in payouts
News
19 Dec 2024
Dieselgate is back! Thousands of cars could be recalled as scandal returns
Emissions tests questioned

Dieselgate is back! Thousands of cars could be recalled as scandal returns

The DfT is currently investigating as many as 47 models across several brands that are suspected to use diesel defeat devices
News
14 Nov 2024
MoT failure rate is worse for vans than cars
MOT

MoT failure rate is worse for vans than cars

More than a third of light commercials failed their first MoT last year, new figures show
News
12 Nov 2024

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: handsome, sporty Mazda CX-5 dips under £250 per month
Mazda CX-5

Car Deal of the Day: handsome, sporty Mazda CX-5 dips under £250 per month

The Mazda CX-5 is fun to drive, features a driver-focused, premium interior and is our Deal of the Day for 9 February
News
9 Feb 2025
BMW X3 vs Lexus NX: which premium mid-size SUV takes top honours?
BMW X3 and Lexus NX - front tracking

BMW X3 vs Lexus NX: which premium mid-size SUV takes top honours?

BMW’s much-lauded new X3 is one of the best luxury compact SUVs on the market – but is it good enough to topple the cheaper hybrid-powered Lexus NX 35…
Car group tests
8 Feb 2025
New Kia EV2 baby electric car due in late-2025 with a low, low price
Kia EV2 - spyshot front

New Kia EV2 baby electric car due in late-2025 with a low, low price

Kia’s EV electric car range will grow again with the arrival of the EV2
News
10 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts