US considering ban on Chinese software for autonomous driving

Sources told the press agency Reuters that the US is considering banning software for connected and autonomous driving cars developed in a ‘foreign entity of concern’ like China as a matter of ‘national security’.

The new rule envisioned would target Level 3 automation and above and Chinese-developed advanced wireless communications. That would mean Chinese cars would no longer be allowed to perform self-driving tests like those in California.

Meeting with allies

The proposal surfaced last week at a meeting hosted by the White House and State Department with allies and industry leaders to “jointly address the national security risks associated with connected vehicles.”

Those allies included representatives of Australia, Canada, the European Union, Germany, India, Japan, South Korea, Spain, and the United Kingdom, who “exchanged views on the data and cybersecurity risks associated with connected vehicles and certain components.”

Asked by Reuters, a Commerce Department spokesperson said “that it is concerned about the national security risks associated with connected technologies in connected vehicles.”

The department’s Bureau of Industry and Security will issue a proposed rule that “will focus on specific systems of concern within the vehicle. Industry will also be able to review that proposed rule and submit comments.”

Apparently, the Biden administration, with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, is “worried about connected vehicles using the driver monitoring systems to listen in to or record conversations of occupants or take control of the vehicle itself.”

Eyes off the road

SAE Level 3 autonomous driving allows drivers under limited conditions to take their eyes and minds off the traffic and focus on secondary activities, such as communicating with family, colleagues, and friends, surfing the internet, or relaxing while watching a movie.

This is a substantial difference from Level 2 systems, where the driver can release control but still has to monitor the car while it executes the driving.

The driver is supposed to take control almost instantly if the situation demands it. Due to a technically sophisticated sensory armor with Lidar and cameras, Level 3 cars can make informed decisions, like overtaking another vehicle by themselves.

Level 4 testing in Beijing

German carmaker Mercedes-Benz was the first to get official approval for SAE Level 3 autonomous driving in the US in January 2023 and in China’s capital, Beijing.

News just broke that Mercedes is the first international car brand to receive permission for a Level 4 autonomous driving test in Beijing. Vehicles with L4 autonomous driving capabilities can perform most driving tasks in most scenarios independently without needing a driver to take over.

China calls for level playing field

China is not amused with the proposed ban on its software. According to Reuters, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington said, “Electric vehicles are a globalized industry.”

“Only division of labor and cooperation can bring mutual benefits, and only fair competition can bring technological progress. China urges the US to earnestly abide by market principles and international trade rules and create a level playing field for companies from all countries. China will firmly defend its lawful rights and interests.”