A group of bipartisan lawmakers in the United States have voiced their concerns over the data collection practices of Chinese companies that are testing autonomous vehicles in the country. The lawmakers have raised alarm about the collection and handling of sensitive data by these companies. They have sent letters to 10 Chinese-related companies, including Baidu, Nio, and Didi Chuxing, asking for more transparency regarding their data collection during ongoing autonomous vehicle testing in California and other locations.
The letters, signed by prominent lawmakers such as House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers and China select committee Chair Mike Gallagher, highlight the need for greater clarity on the information collected by these companies. The lawmakers emphasize that the collected data includes sensitive information about American citizens, their daily routines, national infrastructure, and connected technologies. They have also questioned the financial ties these companies may have with the Chinese Communist Party.
In their letters, the lawmakers have specifically asked the Chinese companies to provide details about the types of data collected in the United States, the storage practices followed, and whether the collected data is shared with the Chinese government or any other entities. Additionally, they are seeking information on whether the testing vehicles gather data on U.S. infrastructure.
According to the letters, Chinese autonomous vehicle companies have conducted extensive testing in California, covering over 450,000 miles during the 12 months leading up to November 2022. This statistic underscores the lawmakers’ concerns and further emphasizes the urgency of addressing the transparency and data security issues associated with these companies.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has previously expressed national security concerns regarding Chinese autonomous vehicle companies in the United States. These concerns extend beyond the hardware and software aspects and encompass transportation technologies as a whole.
As the demand for autonomous vehicles continues to grow, it becomes increasingly crucial to ensure that data collection practices are transparent and secure. The concerns raised by the bipartisan group of lawmakers shed light on the urgency of addressing data privacy and security issues in the autonomous vehicle industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why are lawmakers concerned about Chinese AV companies?
Lawmakers are concerned about Chinese AV companies because they are collecting and handling sensitive data while testing autonomous vehicles in the United States. The lawmakers believe that there needs to be greater transparency regarding the data collection practices of these companies, especially when it comes to the information collected about American citizens, national infrastructure, and connected technologies.
2. What information do the lawmakers want from the Chinese companies?
The lawmakers have asked the Chinese companies to provide details about the data collected in the United States, storage practices followed, and whether the data is shared with the Chinese government or any other entities. They are also seeking information on whether the vehicles gather data on U.S. infrastructure during testing.
3. Why is transparency important in data collection practices?
Transparency is important in data collection practices to ensure that individuals’ privacy is protected and that data is handled responsibly. By being transparent, companies can build trust with regulators, customers, and the public by demonstrating that they are accountable and taking necessary steps to protect sensitive information.
Sources:
– Reuters: [https://www.reuters.com/technology/us-lawmakers-ask-chinese-carmakers-pallone-krishnamoorthi-2022-11-17/](https://www.reuters.com/technology/us-lawmakers-ask-chinese-carmakers-pallone-krishnamoorthi-2022-11-17/)