China sets out ethical guidelines for autonomous driving technology

China has released ethical guidelines for autonomous driving technology, highlighting the need for user safety and technology transparency.

Publishing the guidelines on Wednesday, the Ministry of Science and Technology said automated driving systems “must demonstrate a high degree of respect for human life and actively seek effective strategies to minimise harm”.

Algorithms, models and other content related to the technology must be clearly documented and readily accessible for inspection, it said.

The guidelines aim to “guide the regulated development and application of automated driving technologies, prevent ethical risks during R&D and product application, and promote the healthy growth of the sector”.

Beijing stepped up its oversight of self-driving technology after three people died in a crash involving a Xiaomi electric vehicle in late March. The car was in driver-assistance mode and crashed into a barrier two seconds after the system alerted the driver to take control.

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Xiaomi to cooperate with police after fatal crash involving self-drive feature on SU7 EV

Xiaomi to cooperate with police after fatal crash involving self-drive feature on SU7 EV

During a meeting in April, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China’s top regulator of the manufacturing and IT sectors, urged EV makers and technology providers to fully comply with regulations and not to overstate the role of the assistance systems.