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 of China has released the "Ethical Guidelines for the Research and Development of Driving Automation Technology," emphasizing the need for objective and accurate communication regarding the capabilities of driving automation systems [1][2]. Group 1: Ethical Principles - The guidelines adhere to principles such as prioritizing safety, respecting life, ensuring fairness and justice, and guaranteeing informed consent and information transparency [2]. - The principle of safety prioritization requires that the research and application of driving automation technology must consider user and public safety, especially in unavoidable traffic accidents or extreme driving conditions [2][3]. Group 2: Risk Management and Data Privacy - The development of driving automation technology should include comprehensive risk monitoring and emergency mechanisms to control potential threats [3]. - A robust data privacy protection mechanism throughout the data lifecycle must be established, following principles of informed consent, minimal necessity, and de-identification [3]. Group 3: Responsibility Classification - The guidelines classify driving automation into six levels (0 to 5) based on the system's ability to perform dynamic driving tasks, with responsibilities assigned according to the level of automation and operational conditions [4][5]. - Levels 2 and below are categorized as advanced driver assistance, where the human driver is typically the responsible party [6]. - Levels 3 and 4 involve shared responsibility between users and the automated system, while level 5 places primary responsibility on the automated system unless the user intervenes [7]. Group 4: Public Communication and Misunderstanding Prevention - Developers and producers must clearly communicate the functionality, usage conditions, and precautions of driving automation products to the public [7]. - It is essential to clarify and correct any misinformation that may lead to public misunderstanding of driving automation technology, guiding users to use the products correctly and avoid misuse [7].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ethical guidelines for the research and development of driving automation technology, emphasizing the importance of safety, accountability, and transparency in the industry [1][2]. Summary by Sections Ethical Guidelines - The National Science and Technology Ethics Committee has developed ethical guidelines for driving automation technology, which stress the need to respect life and minimize harm in unavoidable traffic accidents or extreme driving conditions [1]. - The guidelines require clear documentation of algorithms and models related to driving automation technology, ensuring they are accessible for review [1]. Accountability and Transparency - When publishing significant research findings, stakeholders must provide accurate and objective information, avoiding the dissemination of misleading claims about the capabilities of driving automation systems [1]. - The guidelines outline a risk monitoring and emergency response mechanism to ensure timely intervention and control of potential risks [1]. Privacy Protection - A comprehensive data privacy protection mechanism throughout the lifecycle of driving automation technology is mandated, adhering to principles such as informed consent, minimal necessity, and de-identification [1]. Classification of Driving Automation - The guidelines categorize driving automation into different levels, each with specific ethical requirements: - Level 2 and below (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) primarily hold human drivers accountable [1]. - Levels 3 and 4 (Limited Automation) have shared accountability between users and the automation system depending on the operational context [1]. - Level 5 (Full Automation) places primary responsibility on the automation system, with clear accountability mechanisms established for legal compliance [1]. Public Communication - Stakeholders are required to clearly communicate the functionality, usage conditions, and potential misconceptions regarding driving automation products to the public [2].