China’s new rule: if your car uses sensors to map the environment, you must apply for government permit (link). Car sensors are now so good and ubiquitous they’re viewed as security threats. ‘The statement is a clarification of China‘s surveying and mapping law and reflects regulators’ efforts to prevent highly-detailed visual data collected by smart cars falling into the hands of hostile foreign actors.’ Related: A new sign shows that Tesla cars cannot enter government agencies and state-owned enterprises in China (Trucks VC)
Chinese decisions on car sensors are a testimonial that, as a nation, they genuinely know the capabilities of sensors and connected sensors as data and intelligence sources! As the saying goes, it takes a thief to know another.
Did you notice: That we have not heard a peep from Elon Musk about why Chinese regulators haven’t approved Tesla’s FSD for use on local roads? That man is always yapping about US politicians, loudly and crassly — because, you know, democracy and shit!
September 22, 2022. San Francisco