The United States has opened a formal inquiry into Chinese automobiles imported for possible threats to national security. President Joe Biden urged the investigation, with White House officials confirming the move to the press. The directive was issued through the Secretary of Commerce to examine connected vehicles that use technology from nations considered risky, including China, and to take appropriate measures to mitigate potential dangers.
The President asserted that Chinese manufacturing could collect data on critical American infrastructure and on private citizens, then relay that information to authorities in China. This concern stems from the belief that vehicle telemetry, location data, and other sensitive signals might be vulnerable to misuse if not properly secured. Officials stress that safeguards on such systems must be strong enough to prevent unauthorized access and data exfiltration.
Past reports have highlighted weaknesses in certain Chinese automobile systems, with jurisdictions noting vulnerabilities to electronic intrusion. In some cases, illicit actors have exploited diagnostic interfaces to override standard security measures, enabling the creation of additional keys or access credentials with relative ease. Information about these exploit techniques has circulated online, and some sources indicate that attackers can obtain vehicle codes and configurations if they know basic identifiers like the vehicle identification number.
Security concerns extend to access controls for doors, where some models could present weaknesses in door lock mechanisms and master-key compatibility. There are claims that certain audible signals such as horn systems can be disabled when located in exposed or easily reachable areas, potentially complicating safety responses during emergencies.
Earlier United States assessments cited demonstrations of Chinese models exhibiting unusual handling characteristics in restricted environments, underscoring calls for closer scrutiny of vehicle behavior, especially for models marketed in diverse regions. The focus remains on ensuring that imported vehicles meet stringent security standards before they are broadly distributed in North American markets.