Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Science and Technology of China released the "Ethical Guidelines for the Research and Development of Automated Driving Technology" to guide the standardized development and application of automated driving technology, prevent ethical risks, and promote healthy industry growth [2][9]. Summary by Sections Purpose - The guidelines aim to provide a framework for the ethical development and application of automated driving technologies, ensuring safety and ethical considerations are prioritized [2][9]. Terminology - The guidelines define various levels of driving automation from Level 0 to Level 5, including emergency assistance, partial driver assistance, combined driver assistance, conditionally automated driving, highly automated driving, and fully automated driving [3][4]. Basic Principles - Four fundamental principles are emphasized: 1. Human-centered approach to enhance well-being 2. Safety first, respecting life 3. Fairness and justice, avoiding bias 4. Informed consent and transparency [4][5]. General Requirements - The guidelines highlight five general requirements: 1. Legal compliance 2. Benefit enhancement 3. Risk control 4. Timely adjustments 5. Privacy protection [4][5]. Ethical Norms for Different Types of Automated Driving - Specific ethical norms are provided for various stages of automated driving, including advanced driver assistance (Level 2 and below), limited automation (Levels 3 and 4), and full automation (Level 5) [4][5]. Public Awareness - The guidelines stress the importance of public education, ensuring accurate and objective communication about automated driving technologies, and correcting any misleading information [5][9]. Industry Impact - The release of the guidelines serves as a stabilizing force for the rapidly evolving automotive industry in China, providing guidance for companies and researchers while protecting consumers [7][9]. - Recent events, including a high-profile traffic accident and regulatory actions, have heightened the focus on the safety and ethical implications of automated driving technologies [8][9].

Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Science and Technology has released the "Ethical Guidelines for the Research and Development of Driving Automation Technology" to mitigate ethical risks in technology development and product application, promoting healthy growth in this sector [1] Summary by Categories Ethical Guidelines - The guidelines specify ethical norms for different types of driving automation technology, categorizing them into three stages: - Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) stage, which includes Level 2 and below, where the human driver is typically the responsible party [1] - Limited Automation stage, which includes Levels 3 and 4, where the responsibility may vary based on specific operational scenarios, involving both users and the automated driving system [1] - Full Automation stage, which refers to Level 5, where the automated driving system is primarily responsible unless the user intervenes in exceptional circumstances [1] Accountability - When the automated driving system is the responsible party, it must be able to clearly attribute accountability to relevant natural or legal persons according to applicable laws and regulations [1]