US to study ‘smart cars’ for Chinese security risk

WASHINGTON — Citing potential national security risks, the Biden administration says it will investigate Chinese-made “smart cars” that can gather sensitive information about Americans driving them.

The probe could lead to new regulations aimed at preventing China from using sophisticated technology in electric vehicles and other so-called connected vehicles to track drivers and their personal information to effectively spy on Americans.

While the action stops short of a ban on Chinese imports, President Joe Biden said he is taking unprecedented steps to safeguard Americans’ data.

“China is determined to dominate the future of the auto market, including by using unfair practices,’’ Biden said in a statement Thursday. “China’s policies could flood our market with its vehicles, posing risks to our national security.’’

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said connected cars “are like smart phones on wheels” and pose a serious national security risk.

“These vehicles are connected to the internet. They collect huge amounts of sensitive data on the drivers — personal information, biometric information, where the car goes,’’ she told reporters late Wednesday.

Data collection is not the only concern, she and other officials said. Connected vehicles could also be controlled remotely or manipulated by bad actors.

Few Chinese cars are imported to the U.S., in part because of steep tariffs imposed on vehicles from China. Still, officials are concerned that tariffs are not sufficient to address the problem. Some Chinese firms seek to avoid U.S. tariffs by setting up factories in nearby countries, such as Mexico.