Author
Assoc Prof Dan Xie
Organisation/Institution
East China University of Political Science and Law
Country
CHINA
Panel
Information Technology Law
Title
Legal Challenges of Autonomous Driving: Insights from Apollo Go’s Experience in China
Abstract
This paper explores the legal challenges of autonomous driving through a case study of Apollo Go, Baidu’s pioneering autonomous driving project in China. As a leader in China’s autonomous vehicle sector, Apollo Go’s journey provides valuable insights into the complex legal landscape surrounding this emerging technology. The paper begins with an overview of Apollo Go’s development and its deployment in major Chinese cities, situating it within China’s broader autonomous driving ecosystem. It then delves into the current legal and regulatory framework governing autonomous vehicles in China, comparing it with international standards. The core analysis focuses on four key legal challenges faced by Apollo Go: liability and insurance, data privacy and cybersecurity, road safety and compliance, and testing and deployment regulations. The study highlights legal complexities in determining fault in accidents involving autonomous vehicles, the distinction between product and driver liability, and the adaptation of insurance models. Additionally, it addresses data privacy concerns, emphasizing Apollo Go’s compliance with China’s data protection laws, as well as cybersecurity measures. The paper also examines Apollo Go’s efforts to meet Chinese safety standards, secure testing permissions, and navigate zoning and geofencing regulations. Furthermore, the paper explores public perception and ethical considerations, such as the role of decision-making algorithms and the ethical dilemmas in autonomous vehicle operations. It concludes with lessons learned from Apollo Go’s experience and provides recommendations for enhancing legal frameworks to better accommodate autonomous driving. By analyzing Apollo Go’s approach to overcoming legal challenges, this study offers guidance for policymakers and industry stakeholders aiming to balance innovation with safety and legal compliance in the rapidly evolving field of autonomous driving.
Biography
Dr. Dan Xie is an Associate Professor at the School of International Law, East China University of Political Science and Law. She has previously been a visiting scholar at the Max Planck Institute Luxembourg for Procedural Law. Dr. Xie holds a Ph.D. in Law (Summa Cum Laude) from the University of New South Wales, an LL.M. in International Commercial Arbitration (Magna Cum Laude) from Stockholm University, and both an LL.M. and LL.B. in Civil and Commercial Law (Summa Cum Laude) from China University of Political Science and Law. Her research focuses on international commercial arbitration, private international law, and comparative law.
