Gov’t Warns–Foreign Tech In Cars Vulnerable To Hackers, Proposes Ban

The U.S. Department of Commerce has proposed a regulation to ban certain Chinese and Russian automotive technologies due to concerns over cybersecurity and data privacy risks. The move comes as the government increasingly worries about the potential for foreign technology in cars to be vulnerable to hacking.

According to a report by Reuters, the proposed regulation would affect certain telematics systems, which are used to track vehicle location and speed, as well as remote start and unlock systems. The regulation would prohibit the importation of these systems from several Chinese and Russian companies, including Huawei, ZTE, and Kaspersky Lab.

The ban is intended to protect American drivers’ personal data and prevent cyber attacks on vehicles. The Commerce Department has expressed concerns that certain foreign-made telematics systems may be vulnerable to hacking, which could allow attackers to gain access to sensitive information such as location data, call logs, and text messages.

The proposed regulation is part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to address cybersecurity risks associated with foreign technology. In recent years, there have been several high-profile hacks of companies and government agencies, which have raised concerns about the security of American data.

The Commerce Department has also expressed concerns that the use of certain foreign-made telematics systems could pose a risk to national security. The systems could potentially be used to track military personnel or sensitive defense information, the department warned.

The proposed regulation is expected to face opposition from some quarters, particularly from companies that rely on Chinese and Russian technology. However, the Commerce Department has emphasized that the ban is necessary to protect American drivers’ data and national security.

If the regulation is implemented, it could have significant implications for the automotive industry. Car manufacturers may be required to find alternative suppliers for telematics systems, which could disrupt their supply chains and increase costs. Additionally, the ban could limit consumer choice and stifle innovation in the development of new automotive technologies.

The proposed regulation is still under review, and it remains to be seen how it will be received by the industry and the broader public. However, the move highlights the growing concern about cybersecurity risks associated with foreign technology and the need for robust measures to protect sensitive data and national security.