China authorities recently announced a new rule requiring automakers to apply for licenses if their vehicles collect geographic data. Many automakers in the nation would undoubtedly be impacted by such a restriction, particularly those who release intelligent vehicles, like Tesla China, according to Teslarati.
This newly introduced requirement reflects Beijing’s apprehensions about the data-gathering capacities of cars as well as China’s focus on security. In an effort to protect data from aggressive foreign groups, China authorities decided to implement such rules. In addition, it clarifies China’s surveying and mapping law.
The regulations would go into effect after publication, according to a Reuters report. Tesla China and other local EV producers would now need to go above and beyond to ensure that their cars properly adhere to the nation’s laws.
In retrospect, Tesla China and other EV manufacturers have already been urged to collaborate with Chinese firms to collect and process their vehicles’ data.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Natural Resources, it is recommended for automakers to apply for mapping licenses if their cars would collect data.
Otherwise, automakers who want to develop and use autonomous driving systems might cooperate with a registered company to gather, store, transform, and process geographic data.
A “safety bottom line” needs to be established for “real-time high-precision coordinates, high-definition images, and other data support,” according to the ministry, which added that the country’s intelligent and connected vehicle industry is developing rapidly.
The creation of high-precision maps, which are necessary for safe and precise navigation, requires advanced vehicles, particularly those that are very prominent in China.
In an effort to adhere to China’s regulations, over 20 businesses have already obtained mapping licenses. For instance, one of Tesla’s top shareholders, Navinfo, a mapping business supported by Tencent, already has a license. Likewise, Baidu, a search engine with an active autonomous driving vehicle program, was also able to obtain one.
