FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Takes Action to Address Risks of Autos from China and Other Countries of Concern

President Biden is committed to ensuring American automakers and auto workers are the best in the world. The U.S. auto industry is leading the world in quality and innovation, building cars in America with American workers. Chinese automakers are seeking to flood the autos market in the United States and globally, posing new threats to our national security. President Biden will not let that happen.

Today, President Biden is taking unprecedented action to protect Americans from the national security risks posed by connected vehicles from countries of concern, including the People’s Republic of China. At the President’s direction, the Department of Commerce will investigate the national security risks from connected vehicles that incorporate technology from countries of concern, including China, and consider regulations to address those risks.

Autos increasingly leverage advanced technologies to enable navigational tools, provide driver assist features, and reduce operating costs and carbon emissions through fast and efficient charging. These autos are constantly connecting with personal devices, other cars, U.S. infrastructure, and their original manufacturer.

New vulnerabilities and threats could arise with connected autos if a foreign government gained access to these vehicles’ systems or data. Connected vehicles collect large amounts of sensitive data on their drivers and passengers; regularly use their cameras and sensors to record detailed information on U.S. infrastructure; interact directly with critical infrastructure; and can be piloted or disabled remotely. Connected autos that rely on technology and data systems from countries of concern, including the People’s Republic of China, could be exploited in ways that threaten national security.

China has imposed wide-ranging restrictions on American autos and other foreign vehicles operating on their roads. Today, President Biden is directing his Administration to take unprecedented action to address the national security risks from connected autos that incorporate technology from China and other countries of concern.

The Department of Commerce is issuing an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) to investigate national security risks posed by connected vehicles from countries of concern. As part of the investigation, Commerce will gather information from the industry and the public on the nature of these risks, and potential steps that could be taken to mitigate them. Commerce intends to use this information to help inform and scope potential regulations to govern the use of technology in vehicles from certain countries.

This is the first action taken by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) under Executive Orders focused on protecting domestic information and communications technology and services supply chains from national security threats.

The Administration encourages interested stakeholders to share input with the Department of Commerce through this process so their views can be taken under consideration. The Department will consult closely with industry, U.S. allies and partners, and other stakeholders throughout the regulatory process to ensure any actions maximally protect U.S. national security, while minimizing unintended consequences or disruptions.

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