The US House of Representatives recently introduced a new bill seeking to boost national security review for connected vehicles built by automakers from China and other countries of concern. 

US House of Representatives Addressing Security Concerns

A new bill introduced in the House aims to enhance national security review concerning connected vehicles made by automakers from China and other countries of concern. The bill, proposed by Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), seeks to address concerns about the potential exploitation of vehicle software for espionage purposes. 

If enacted, the Connected Vehicle National Security Review Act would mandate thorough security assessments for connected vehicles produced by Chinese automakers and those from other designated nations. 

It would also grant the Department of Commerce the authority to impose restrictions or outright bans on selling such vehicles in the US before they reach consumers, pending the outcome of security reviews.

Slotkin emphasized the increasing sophistication of modern vehicles equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and data processing capabilities.

She highlighted the potential risks posed by Chinese-connected vehicles, suggesting they could provide the Chinese government with valuable intelligence on the US. This includes gathering data on military installations, critical infrastructure such as the power grid and traffic systems, and even tracking specific US leaders if desired.

Read Also: US Plans to Bar Chinese Telecoms Over National Security Concerns

Navigating the Concerns of Chinese EVs in US Market

Earlier this month, Slotkin addressed the House floor, drawing attention to the potential infiltration of the American market by Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). These vehicles, typically priced lower than their US and European counterparts, pose a significant threat of capturing a substantial portion of the market. 

Slotkin cited the rapid growth of Chinese vehicles since their introduction in 2019 in the European market, where they now constitute nearly a quarter of all sales.

She pushed Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to act on the potential security risks these Chinese vehicles pose.

Legislators may alternatively consider enacting a comprehensive data privacy law rather than addressing these issues incrementally. The bill was introduced after the Biden administration decided to quadruple import tariffs on Chinese EVs.

This move saw tariffs increase from 25 percent to 100 percent, a response to the significant rise in China's EV exports, which surged by 70 percent between 2022 and 2023.

In February, the White House announced a Department of Commerce probe into the risks associated with connected vehicles from China and other foreign adversaries. Since this move was executed through an executive order, it is still susceptible to potential reversal by future administrations.

Slotkin's proposed legislation seeks to address these vulnerabilities, although its fate in Congress remains uncertain amid today's politically charged environment.

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