It is not only self-driving cars built in China that are now banned in the United States. If the cars even have Chinese technology, they are also banned.
The Americans have banned self-driving cars that rely on technology developed and manufactured in China.
This shows a data leak from the US Department of Commerce according to the Reuters news agency.
Since then, the authorities have chosen to confirm the leak and its contents, because it is feared that the technique from China can be used for, among other things, espionage.
– We decided to act because it is really serious, according to Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
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Specifically, the Biden government has proposed to ban self-driving cars at the so-called level 3 (there are 5, ed.) if these use technology developed and/or manufactured in China.
The new ban will also prevent Chinese companies from testing self-driving technology on American roads. The Americans believe that the Chinese government both watches and listens when Chinese car manufacturers develop this kind of technology.
And the Americans are not alone in that attitude. Back in June, cyber security researcher and professor Pontus Johnson told SVT in an interview that drivers do best to keep their mouths shut.
At least in Chinese and Chinese-owned cars. That is, if motorists drive around with some secrets. Because the researcher also believes that the Chinese communist government is listening.
– My recommendation is not to tell secrets when driving in a Volvo, says Pontus Johnson to SVT.
Back in the US, automakers must sign and prove that their self-driving car technology does not come from or be shared with China. That could put brands like Volvo and Polestar, owned by China's Geely, in trouble.
It is not known whether the Chinese intend to respond again to the American government's proposal. But the communist government is already considering how to hit European car manufacturers , after the EU has introduced punitive tariffs on Chinese electric cars.
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