The United States is gearing up to introduce a new regulatory measure aimed at barring Chinese-made software in autonomous vehicles operating within its borders. The move is being driven by growing national security concerns, and could have far-reaching implications for the automotive industry.
The proposed regulation targets vehicles equipped with Level 3 (L3) automation and above. Level 3 automation allows for conditional driving automation, where drivers can engage in activities like watching movies or using smartphones while the vehicle handles most driving tasks under specific conditions.
By banning software from Chinese companies in these vehicles, the US government aims to mitigate the potential risks associated with data collection and transmission to foreign entities. The administration fears that smart vehicles using Chinese software could be leveraged to collect sensitive data on American citizens and infrastructure, Reuters reports.
This ban would not only prevent the use of Chinese software in these vehicles but also effectively halt the testing of Chinese autonomous vehicles on US roads. This could be a significant setback for companies like Nio, Li Auto, and other Chinese firms that have been testing and expanding their presence in the US market for several years.
Additionally, the ban extends beyond software, also targeting vehicles with Chinese-developed advanced wireless communications modules, further restricting the entry of such vehicles into the US.
Implications For Canada
The proposed regulation is also likely to have international repercussions, including in Canada. The US recently hosted a meeting with allies and industry leaders to discuss the potential threats posed by connected vehicles, including those using Chinese technology. Participants from Canada, and other countries such Australia and several European nations exchanged views on data and cybersecurity risks associated with these vehicles.
These countries are expected to explore joint measures to mitigate these risks, potentially leading to a more coordinated global response against Chinese technology in autonomous vehicles.
