Carmakers Rush To Remove Chinese Code Under New US Rules
Source: Slashdot
Background
“How Chinese is your car?” asks the Wall Street Journal1. Modern vehicles are packed with internet‑connected widgets, many of which contain Chinese technology. The industry is now scrambling to root out that code ahead of a looming deadline—a test case for America’s ability to decouple from Chinese supply chains2.
New U.S. Rules
The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security has introduced a rule that will soon ban Chinese software in vehicle systems that connect to the cloud. The goal is to prevent cameras, microphones, and GPS tracking in cars from being exploited by foreign adversaries.
- Effective date: Carmakers must attest to the U.S. government that, as of March 17, core elements of their products do not contain code written in China or by a Chinese company.
- Scope: The rule covers software for advanced autonomous driving and will be extended to connectivity hardware starting in 2029.
- Banned items: Connected cars made by Chinese or China‑controlled companies are prohibited, regardless of where the software originates.
The rule is described as “one of the most consequential and complex auto regulations in decades” by Hilary Cain, head of policy at the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. It requires a deep examination of supply chains and aggressive compliance timelines.
Industry Response
The Bureau is allowing the use of Chinese code that is transferred to a non‑Chinese entity before March 17. This carve‑out has sparked a rush of corporate restructuring. According to Matt Wyckhouse, CEO of cybersecurity firm Finite State, global suppliers are relocating China‑based software teams, while Chinese companies are seeking new owners for their Western operations.