Biden administration proposes ban on vehicle software, hardware from China, Russia

Sept. 23 (UPI) — The Biden administration on Monday announced a proposed rule change to prevent technology-connected vehicles and components from China or Russia from being brought to the United States.

If finalized, the rule changes proposed by the Department of Commerce would prohibit the import or sale of “of certain connected vehicle systems designed, developed, manufactured or supplied by entities with a sufficient nexus to the PRC or Russia,” which the White House identified as “countries of concern.”

The rules will target vehicle connectivity systems, of VCS, such as Bluetooth, cellular satellite and Wi-Fi modules in addition to automated driving systems.

“Connected vehicles provide many benefits — from promoting vehicle safety to assisting drivers with navigation — but they also pose new and growing threats,” the White House said. “These technologies include computer systems that control vehicle movement and collect sensitive driver and passenger data as well as cameras and sensors that enable automated driving systems and record detailed data information about America’s infrastructure.”

The rule will also include exemptions, such as small producers of vehicles, “to minimize unanticipated and unnecessary disruption to industry.”

The bans on software would take effect for the Model Year 2027, while hardware bans would go into effect for Model Year 2030 or Jan. 1, 2029, units that do not have a model year.