In the sphere of self-driving cars the US Commerce Department has put the brakes on Chinese software. China is going to see the U. S. plan to prevent Chinese software from self-driving cars in the name of security. However, we have to analyze and deconstruct this issue in its fullness and then examine the potential for the creation of self-driving cars.
The Proposed Ban on Chinese Software
Reuters reports that the U.S Commerce Department is planning to launch this ban in the next few weeks. The law will aim to ban Chinese software and highly developed wireless communication in automobiles with autonomy level 3 to 5. Well, what are these levels now?
Basically it’s a measure of how much the car is autonomous. Level 3 being semi autonomous – requiring you to interfere in tense situations. And level 5 being fully autonomous – it can handle on its own in any situation. And level four, is somewhere in between.
Why the Ban?
Security is the only reason that has been advanced to justify this ban. The US authorities are concerned with defensive postures as far as connected technologies in automobiles are concerned. And that means it is like your car having some spy games with the Chinese tech geniuses. Such vehicles with all these cameras and sensors could collect information about the drivers, passengers, and even the United States infrastructure.
The Biden administration began an investigation earlier this year to decide whether or not to ban imports from China.
The Impact on Car Companies
Thus, if the ban takes place, it will not only be a considerable slowdown for Chinese companies; it can be compared to a crash. Chinese automakers and suppliers will have to make sure that their connected or advanced autonomous vehicle software is not being developed in China. The ban would also affect the experimentation of Chinese self-driven cars on the U.S roads.
The Chinese Response
Of course, this proposed ban has not gone well with the Chinese government by any means. A source from the Chinese embassy clarified that China is using negotiation to demand the US to embrace fair competition and market-oriented economy.
”Only division of labor and cooperation can give a mutual advantage, and only a fair competition can provide technological advancement,” the spokesperson added. China also underlined that they will not allow their rights and interests to be infringed upon and they will also stand up for themselves.
Where Is the Self-Driving Car Headed Next?
So, how does this leave us in the evolving environment of fully autonomous vehicles? The proposed ban is a drastic action that could portend a great impact on the growth and implementation of self-driving vehicles. They also cast doubt on innovation, competition, and security of this growing industry.
For the automotive manufacturers, it has implications as to where their software and technology come from. These change implications may pose a need for the companies to look for other solutions and possible partnerships that allow them to meet the potential new regulations.
The Bottom Line
The decision by the U.S. to ban Chinese software in self-driving cars is a big issue that can be broken down into many components. The event illustrates the tension that exists between modernization on the one hand, and protection of sovereignty, on the other. While driving toward an increasingly self-guided world, regulators must continue to steer safety and security concerns in the right direction.
