The Biden administration today announced that it’s launching a probe into Chinese-made smart cars, alleging that the vehicles could be used to collect sensitive information on Americans and cause various kinds of mayhem.

The investigation, which will be led by the U.S. Commerce Department, will look into how Chinese “connected vehicles” could be used for espionage. According to the White House, that means cars with sensors, cameras, internet access or any other kind of computer that can assist or entertain a driver.

“China is determined to dominate the future of the auto market, including by using unfair practices,’’ President Biden said in a statement earlier today. “China’s policies could flood our market with its vehicles, posing risks to our national security. I’m not going to let that happen on my watch.’’

The fears of what China could do with a connected car are wide-ranging, according to the White House. It explained in a press release that the fear is not only about collecting information on the people driving the cars but also relates to sensors spying on critical U.S. infrastructure or interacting with that infrastructure.

There is also a concern that such cars could be disabled or piloted by remote bad actors to cause damage, something that admittedly sounds like a Hollywood movie, perhaps “Live Free and Die Hard.” Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo brought the horror to life when she told The Washington Post today thousands of cars on American streets being remotely controlled by someone in Beijing is a “scary” thought.

According to the White House, China is trying to “flood the auto market in the United States.” Biden said he wants to build cars in America “with American workers.” China now leads the global automobile market, producing way more cars than any other nation, which is expected to rise as the country increases its production of new-energy, high-tech vehicles.

“While we benefit greatly from the shift to a more digital and connected world, those connections create new avenues for espionage and sabotage,” explained Under Secretary for Industry and Security Alan Estevez. “We must remain vigilant in identifying and securing those vulnerabilities, including potential vulnerabilities present in connected vehicles.”

The probe will look into the possibility of harm and how risks might be mitigated. White House officials said the end product won’t be a ban on Chinese vehicle imports but possible regulations, and smart cars coming from “countries of concern” may find they meet with a red light at the American border.

Photo: Eyosias G/Unsplash