China doubles down on smart vehicle data regulation after Tesla’s EV recall

The MIIT has proposed new regulations covering management of smart connected vehicles and control of the vast amount of data these cars generate

Connected vehicle makers such as Tesla must also provide clear information about their cars’ automated driving assistance and other autopilot capabilities

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Proposed new regulations by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology require increased cybersecurity measures by connected vehicle makers to fend off threats to system vulnerabilities. Photo: Reuters

Published: 9:00pm, 12 Aug 2021Updated: 9:24pm, 12 Aug 2021

China plans to strengthen the management of smart vehicles’ automated driving functions and the control of the vast troves of data generated by these cars, according to proposed new regulations announced on Wednesday by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

Connected vehicle makers – including Tesla and a number of domestic carmakers – that offer automated driving assistance and other autopilot capabilities must “clearly inform” about their vehicles’ functions and performance limitations, as well as driver responsibilities and other important data.

These carmakers should also bolster safety measures for their vehicles, according to the proposed new regulations.

Data security, a major concern for China’s regulators, must also be buttressed so that personal information and other sensitive data generated in the country remains stored within its borders, according to the MIIT. It said data that needs to be exported abroad must pass a security assessment, reiterating previous regulations.

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Aside from safeguarding data, the MIIT said connected vehicle makers must increase cybersecurity efforts to fend off threats to system vulnerabilities and to standardise software upgrades.