EU Urged to Regulate Smart Cars Now

The European Union is facing increasing calls to establish robust regulations for intelligent vehicles amid escalating security concerns. A prominent think tank emphasizes the urgent need for these rules, particularly as the market share of Chinese-made cars in the EU continues to rise sharply. These connected vehicles, often electric or hybrid, are capable of collecting vast amounts of data, including sensitive geospatial and personal information.

This data collection poses significant risks, potentially leaving European nations vulnerable to cyberattacks and unintended disclosure of critical military and economic activities. The think tank suggests that China's existing data security certification requirements for automakers could serve as a basis for a European legal framework. Concerns are growing globally about 'spy cars' as advanced driver-assistance systems become more common.

Some nations are already taking protective measures; Poland is considering banning Chinese-made cars from military facilities, and the US has restricted personal smart cars from China and Russia. While the EU currently lacks unified regulations, a recent assessment by the European Commission and the EU Data Act acknowledge vehicles as a core category of connected products. The think tank advocates for a 'coalition of willing countries' to drive this initiative if a bloc-wide agreement proves elusive.