Congress Moves Bipartisan Bill to Ban Chinese-Linked Connected Vehicles Over Spying Risks

Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate are developing and advancing the Connected Vehicle Security Act to prohibit the importation, manufacture, sale, or introduction into interstate commerce of connected vehicles and related software and hardware associated with foreign adversaries, including China.

Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio), a House co-sponsor, said: “First and foremost, no one should spy on you in your car. You should be able to control every signal coming in or going out of your car.” Senate companion legislation was introduced by Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio); support has come from members across the spectrum, including Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.). Slotkin has described Chinese vehicles as “surveillance packages on wheels” that can transmit data to Beijing.

The push follows reports that Chinese-made baby monitors and components in military drones can be turned into spy devices, plus broader concerns about connected-vehicle data streams on location, behavior, and infrastructure. The American Enterprise Institute has noted that growth in the Chinese connected-vehicle industry expands access to foreign data. Earlier Commerce Department rules already restrict certain software and hardware from foreign adversaries, with software limits beginning in model year 2027 and hardware later.

A prior Senate effort to fast-track a permanent ban stalled before the midterms over technical concerns involving one automaker’s ownership structure. Sponsors plan to renew the push. Automakers and labor groups have generally supported measures that protect both national security and domestic manufacturing from state-subsidized Chinese competition.

The legislation would apply to vehicles and components with significant ties to designated adversary nations. Final language, any ownership thresholds, and the timeline for floor votes remain subject to further negotiation.