US Makes New Cyber Rules on Self-driving Vehicles

Self-driving car manufacturers have earmarked privacy protections and cyber security for self driving vehicles as among required primary safety considerations as part of a US government policy that was recently published.

The US Department of Transportation’s 15-point assessment to test the safety of self-driving cars is designed to control the methods by which vehicles are manufactured, tested, and used.

The government is responding to what is perceived as being the first life lost to a self-driving car.

Tesla, the automobile company behind the car involved in the fatality, is one of a number of car manufacturers developing self-driving cars, which means that we can expect such vehicles to be commonplace in the future.

The new policy says that safety standards will be set by federal authorities. The authorities will also manage and look into recalls and ensure that safety standards requirements are being met. State authorities will provide licenses, register the vehicles, and carry out safety inspections.

President Barack Obama said that the vehicles could potentially save thousands of human lives a year. He said in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette:

“Right now, for too many senior citizens and Americans with disabilities, driving isn’t an option. Automated vehicles could change their lives. Safer, more accessible driving. Less congested, less polluted roads. That’s what harnessing technology for good can look like.”

The US government clearly sees the importance of cyber safety. Businesses in all industries could benefit from reassessing their IT security recruitment plan and ask themselves how they can make their firm more secure.