Supreme Court Issues First Judicial Rules on AI, Clarifying Liability for Autonomous Driving Accidents and False Advertising

On September 7, the Supreme People's Court issued the "Opinions on Adjudicating Cases Involving Artificial Intelligence Disputes in Accordance with the Law," marking the first time China’s highest judicial authority has released guidelines specifically addressing AI-related disputes. The Opinions clarify liability rules for damages caused by autonomous vehicles and vehicles equipped with driver-assistance functions: where a vehicle defect and the driver’s fault jointly cause the same harm, and the parties request both the driver and the manufacturer or seller to bear liability pursuant to Article 1,172 of the Civil Code and other relevant provisions, the people’s courts shall support such claims in accordance with the law. Additionally, the Opinions regulate false advertising, stipulating that if vehicle manufacturers or sellers make false or misleading representations regarding the automation level, intelligence level, performance, or intended use of autonomous or driver-assistance systems—thereby infringing upon consumers’ rights—consumers may seek civil liability against them under the Civil Code, the Consumer Rights Protection Law, and other applicable laws, and the people’s courts shall uphold such claims in accordance with the law.