China is tightening regulations over autonomous driving systems

According to people familiar with the matter and some transcripts obtained by Reuters, the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has met with 60 representatives from the biggest automakers in the industry to discuss some new rules regarding ADAS.

Firstly, the Chinese authorities are banning the use of "smart driving" and "autonomous driving" phrases when car manufacturers are advertising their Level 2 solutions. The new rule comes after a fatal crash involving Xiaomi's SU7, which crashed and burned after the driver took over control from the "autopilot".

But that's not all. The Chinese authorities are changing the way ADAS software is being distributed. Manufacturers are no longer allowed to push OTA software updates related to ADAS without going through extensive testing and approval from the governing body.

Last but not least, the authority also discussed battery safety. It wants to tighten control over EV battery standards to reduce the risk of fire and explosions.

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