We now know more about the Tesla criminal investigation

• The Justice Department is investigating possible securities or wire fraud by Tesla, Reuters reported.
• The investigation is reportedly focused on Tesla’s promotion of its driver assistance software.
• Tesla has been the focus of criticism over the years for its driver assistance software.

The Justice Department is investigating potential securities or wire fraud related to Tesla’s efforts to promote its driver assistance software, according to a Reuters report that cited unnamed sources.

In 2022, the news outlet first reported that the U.S. Department of Justice had opened a criminal investigation into Tesla and its autonomous driving claims, but further details about the scope of the investigation were not previously known.

The Justice Department declined to comment and Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

CEO Elon Musk was promising for years that Tesla will put fully autonomous cars on the road and has repeatedly stated that the software will one day be able to perform better than a human driver.

The automaker has faced scrutiny from a number of regulators over the years regarding its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving beta software.

In December, Tesla recalled about two million vehicles via an over-the-air update after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that Autopilot didn’t have enough loopholes to prevent drivers from abusing the software after two years Investigation of function.

On Tuesday, Reuters reported that the agency had asked Tesla for more detailed answers and documents related to the recall.

All current Tesla models are equipped with the automaker’s Autopilot driver assistance program. Owners can also purchase the company’s Full Self-Driving beta feature for $8,000.

The beta feature allows the vehicle to automatically change lanes, enter and exit highways, recognize stop signs and traffic lights, and park. Both programs still require a licensed driver to monitor the system at any time.

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