Cars Are No Longer Just Vehicles, They Are a National Security Issue!

As technology advances rapidly, the geopolitical dynamics of the world are evolving just as quickly. A recent statement from the U.S. Department of Commerce marks the beginning of a new era in the automotive industry. The Biden administration is calling for a ban on the use of Chinese-origin software and hardware in vehicles. This ban is not merely a commercial dispute but is being framed as a matter of national security. Why?

The U.S. is concerned about the potential for Chinese companies to collect data on American drivers and infrastructure and the risk of internet-connected vehicles being manipulated by foreign states. In fact, there’s a growing fear that, “If you have a few million cars on the road and those vehicles are disabled via software, it could literally be a catastrophe.”

This issue goes beyond imposing additional taxes on Chinese vehicles or battery packs: it’s a National Security Concern!

Complex Questions in a Complex World

Such developments make us reflect on our own situation. What if one day my country finds itself in conflict with the U.S., and my vehicle is equipped with U.S. or Chinese software or hardware? Would my car be affected by these tensions?

The core structure of modern vehicles is now built on software, and as these vehicles become increasingly connected, everything gets more complicated. In theory, millions of cars with software controlled by a foreign country could be disabled with external intervention. Is this just a dystopian scenario? Perhaps not.

A New Era in Vehicles: A National Security Risk

Today, cars have evolved from being mere transportation tools; they have become veritable tech hubs. They collect data, analyze it, connect to the internet, and many critical functions are controlled by software. This transformation makes them potential weapons in global geopolitical conflicts. Who would have thought that a car could pose a national security threat?

This global polarization, led by the U.S., might force us to make a significant choice. Like a "take it or leave it" situation, as both sides defend their technologies and hardware for security purposes, countries and consumers will need to decide which side they’re on. And this decision point isn't far off. If Donald Trump is re-elected, such radical decisions may unfold even sooner.

Conclusion

The world we live in is becoming increasingly complex. What we once regarded as simple transportation vehicles may soon become tools in global conflicts. These new technological marvels bring us comfort and speed but also open up significant security vulnerabilities. The policies of countries involved in automobile manufacturing are no longer just about trade—they are driven by national security concerns.

In the coming years, we will have to make big choices—about which software and hardware we use and which side we choose. These decisions won't just be limited to technology; our national security and even our freedom could depend on them.