US investigates Chinese cars posing national data security risks

The US Commerce Department is opening an investigation into whether imported cars from China pose a national security risk, and whether restrictions could be imposed due to concerns about internet-connected car technology.

The White House said the Commerce Department investigation was necessary because vehicles imported from China collect large amounts of sensitive data about drivers and passengers, and often use cameras and sensors to record detailed information about America's infrastructure.

The US has launched an investigation into national security risks, particularly in vehicles imported from China. (Photo: Sjoerd van der Wal / Getty)

These vehicles could even be remotely controlled or disabled, and the requirement would also consider autonomous vehicles imported from China. US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo also raised the dark prospect of Beijing causing remote chaos on US highways. “Imagine if there were thousands or hundreds of thousands of internet-connected vehicles imported from China on US highways that could be instantly and simultaneously disabled by someone in Beijing,” Raimondo said.

“China’s policies could flood our markets through imports from them, which could pose a risk to our national security. And I will not let that happen on my watch,” US President Joe Biden said in a statement.

White House officials say it is too early to take action, and no decision has been made to ban or restrict vehicles imported from China.

The White House also said the administration has broad legal authority and can take more drastic action if necessary. President Biden called the effort an unprecedented step to ensure that cars on American roads imported from countries like China do not undermine US national security.

Responding to the news, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a trade group representing General Motors, Toyota, Volkswagen and other major automakers, said the Commerce Department should work closely with the auto industry to determine the scope of any specific actions taken in the future.

HUYNH DUNG (Source: Reuters/Wired)

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