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Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo urging the Administration to take action to address the privacy and security risks and trade implications posed by connected vehicle technology manufactured and controlled by foreign adversaries, including China. 
 
“As our vehicles become smarter, safer, and cleaner with emerging technologies, it’s crucial to fully understand the implications and potential security risks, especially when technology comes from countries like China. The risks associated with Chinese-made connected vehicles and technology are profound, posing significant threats to our privacy and national security,” Dingell writes. “These connected vehicles, equipped with thousands of sensors and chips, can pose significant threats. Chinese-connected vehicles engage in extensive data collection and transmission, including GPS locations, driving behaviors, and in-car conversations. This data, if routed to servers in China or controlled by Chinese entities, could be accessed by the Chinese government under national security laws.”
 
“The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated. Almost 70 percent of vehicles on American roads are now connected vehicles, and an increasing number of these vehicles are equipped with Chinese technology, including autonomous vehicles. The deployment of Chinese autonomous vehicles in the U.S. for data collection, while American vehicles are banned in China, presents not only a security threat but also an issue of fairness and reciprocity in the global market,” Dingell continues. “The Department of Commerce’s proactive effort to issue new rules in 2024 to mitigate these risks represents a critical step forward. Our focus should include and also extend beyond Chinese-manufactured technology in vehicles to include technology from firms controlled by any foreign adversaries.”
 
“Advanced vehicle technologies will define the automotive, transportation, and technological sectors in the decades to come, and we must maintain our position as the global leader in these industries. The proliferation of connected and automated vehicle technology necessitates robust measures to address data collection, access, national security and cybersecurity risks. We have an opportunity to herald a new era of mobility and maintain our leadership at the forefront of the global automotive industry, while also protecting the privacy and security of our constituents,” Dingell concludes. “Thank you for your dedication to this issue. I believe that it is imperative to take proactive steps to address the threat posed by connected vehicles and their technologies coming from countries of concern. Failure to act will have far-reaching consequences for the American economy and for our national security interests. Together, we can ensure the continued prosperity of the U.S. automotive industry and safeguard our economic and national security.”
 
View the full text of the letter here.