CONGRESSMAN LIEU STATEMENT ON RELEASE OF FEDERAL AUTOMATED VEHICLES POLICY

WASHINGTON - Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) released the following statement in response to the United States Department of Transportation’s release of its Federal Automated Vehicles Policy. Congressman Lieu co-introduced the Security and Privacy in Your Car Act of 2015 with Congressman Joe Wilson (R | SC) in November, 2015.

“As an original cosponsor of the Security and Privacy in Your Car Act, I am pleased that the Department of Transportation (DOT) has prioritized privacy, safety and cybersecurity in promulgating its guidelines on automated vehicles. Partially automated vehicles in the marketplace – such as those with assisted braking and park-assist – have demonstrated the benefits to traffic safety that automated vehicles can offer, provided that automated vehicle manufacturers and operators follow the guidelines to make cybersecurity and safety a priority.”

“DOT’s decision to offer guidelines rather than regulation allows industry and government to adapt quickly to rapidly changing technology, but only if the guidelines are revisited regularly. I commend DOT’s collaborative approach in developing these guidelines to harmonize with existing industry best practices. With the recent hack of a Tesla sedan by Chinese researchers serving as the latest reminder of security vulnerabilities in connected cars, we must act with urgency to keep our families safe from automotive cyber threats.”

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