US bans smart cars with Chinese and Russian tech
What's the story
The Joe Biden administration has given a nod to a rule banning new personal smart cars with Chinese and Russian technology, from being driven on American roads.
The move comes as a response to possible national security threats.
The rule particularly focuses on vehicles installed with internet-connected devices that could mine sensitive information or allow foreign adversaries to control cars remotely.
Security threats
US Commerce Department outlines security risks
The rule was announced by the US Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security today.
It said that technologies from China and Russia "present an undue and unacceptable risk to US national security."
The department raised concerns over modern vehicles with internet-connected devices, comparing them to computers that could potentially collect sensitive data about drivers or owners, violating consumer privacy.
Regulatory details
New rule targets specific components
The new regulation prohibits the import or sale of connected vehicles with certain hardware or software components having a "sufficient nexus" to China or Russia.
It also prohibits manufacturers with ties to these countries from selling US-made vehicles in the country.
The rule applies only to passenger vehicles weighing 4,536kg or less and will come into effect as early as model year 2027.
Upcoming measures
Future plans for commercial vehicles
The Commerce Department has said it plans to start a separate process targeting commercial vehicles such as buses and trucks.
However, the finalization of these restrictions will be left to the incoming administration.
This move comes as part of the Biden administration's efforts to tackle key China-related issues before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office on January 20.