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this post was submitted on 25 Nov 2023
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That second part isn't really true. Many cars now have cellular modems in them to provide WiFi and infotainment features. That means there is already a remote access capability in those vehicles. Disabling a modern vehicle with software is easy enough as the spark is controlled by the cars computer. So having a built-in feature to allow a remote actor to limit or disable the vehicle's spark isn't a big leap.
That's not really how it works even when a new car goes into limp mode. Usually what happens isn't that they limit the spark. It's that the PCM (Power train Control Module) provides a ground to various systems (which are always powered via the battery/alternator charging system). When the PCM or ECM (Electronics Control Module that monitors network traffic in the vehicle) detects missing voltage from a monitored network sensor, or too much voltage from a monitored network sensor) it will put your vehicle into limp mode to prevent more damage that would occur if you keep driving. For instance if your camshaft sensor is providing a reading that would suggest it's not spinning or is "stuck". That could do internal damage to the engine if the vehicle continues to be driven.
But even so what they meant was that disabling a vehicle in motion is actually dangerous to the driver, any passengers and any other people driving or riding on the road.
Additionally, if the government can do it, that tech could be used by a bad actor for the same purpose and that's just not going to fly.
If I'm trying to pass on a dotted yellow (legal) and my car thinks I'm drunk and kills the engine or governs me to 10 mph, I'm fucked. Remotely stopping a car without situational review is super dangerous (for humans in them).
You'll get no argument from me on that front.
Safely stopping a car. Safely. Unless you're already stopped at an intersection or something you've got a really big chance of getting hit.
Even just remaining stopped significantly longer than expected at an intersection can easily get you into an accident in lots of places.