US plans to ban Chinese tech in autonomous vehicles

The Biden administration is gearing up to propose a sweeping ban on Chinese software in autonomous vehicles. According to a Reuters report, the move could come in the next few weeks and would effectively bar Chinese companies from testing their self-driving tech on American roads.

The proposed rule would prohibit Chinese software in vehicles with Level 3 automation and above – a classification that includes cars capable of driving themselves under certain conditions without human intervention. This potential ban underscores growing concerns in Washington about the national security implications of Chinese technology in critical infrastructure and emerging fields like artificial intelligence and autonomous driving.

If implemented, the ban could have far-reaching consequences for the automotive and tech industries. It would likely shut out Chinese companies like Baidu, which has been making significant strides in autonomous vehicle tech, from the lucrative US market. At the same time, it could create challenges for American and other international automakers who may be using Chinese software components in their self-driving systems.

The move aligns with broader US efforts to limit China’s technological influence, following similar restrictions on Chinese telecom equipment and semiconductor technologies. Critics argue that Chinese software in autonomous vehicles could potentially be used for espionage or cyber attacks, given the vast amounts of data these systems collect about roads, infrastructure, and user behaviour.

However, Beijing has already criticized the proposed ban sharply. In response to questions from Bloomberg News, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Beijing “opposes the US’s generalisation of the concept of national security and discriminatory practices against Chinese-made electric vehicles and connected cars.”

The spokesperson added, “China urges the US to respect market principles and provide an open, fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises. China will resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.”

This strong response suggests that the proposed ban could further strain already tense US-China relations and potentially invite retaliatory measures from Beijing. China has been investing heavily in autonomous vehicle technology as part of its push to dominate future industries, and being locked out of the US market would be a significant setback to these ambitions.

As for the US automotive industry, the ban could present opportunities and challenges. While it might protect domestic companies from Chinese competition, it could also limit access to innovative technologies and potentially increase consumer costs.

What is curtained is that the ban, once in place, could also have ripple effects throughout the global automotive supply chain, potentially forcing companies to redesign systems and find alternative software suppliers. This could lead to delays in developing and deploying autonomous vehicles, a field where the US is competing fiercely with China for technological leadership.

Nevertheless, the proposal will likely face scrutiny from industry stakeholders and may evolve before any final rule is implemented. Key questions remain about how broadly the ban would be applied and enforced, particularly given the complex nature of global supply chains in the automotive industry.

Critics of the proposed ban argue that it could hinder innovation and international collaboration in a field that benefits from diverse inputs. The complex nature of global supply chains in the automotive industry also raises questions about how broadly the ban would be applied and how it would be enforced.

As the Biden administration prepares to unveil this proposal, it’s clear that the intersection of technology, national security, and international trade is becoming increasingly complex. The potential ban on Chinese software in autonomous vehicles represents just one battleground in a broader technological contest that is reshaping global politics and commerce.

See also: DiDi is di-veloping its own robotaxis

Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, IoT Tech Expo, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.

Tags: autonomous car, china, internet of things