US approves ban on smart cars with Chinese and Russian technology

The Biden administration has finalized a rule that effectively bans the use of new "smart" cars with Chinese and Russian technology on US roads, citing a national security threat, Bloomberg reports. The rule, announced by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security, prohibits the import and sale of Internet-connected vehicles that contain hardware or software linked to China or Russia. Also, manufacturers with ties to these countries are prohibited from selling vehicles made in the United States on the domestic market.

U.S. officials argue that modern cars with Internet connectivity are effectively computers on wheels that can collect sensitive data about drivers or owners, which could violate their right to privacy. There is also concern that foreign adversaries could remotely interfere with the operation of these vehicles, which poses a threat to national security.

The approved rule applies to passenger vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds (approximately 4.5 tons), with a gradual implementation starting with the 2027 model year and ending in 2030. While this rule applies only to passenger cars, the US Department of Commerce has indicated that a separate process has begun to develop restrictions for commercial vehicles such as buses and trucks. The next administration will have to finalize these restrictions.