On 6 January 2023, China’s National Information Security Standardization Technical Committee (TC 260) issued the Cyber Security Standard Practice Guide – Verification of Effect of Partial Contouring for Image outside the Vehicle (Draft for Comment). The document outlines recommended processes, methods and verification standards for vehicle data processors to collect data outside the vehicle, and to verify the effect of partial contouring of exterior images – including the contouring of human faces and license plates.

The Draft is applicable to the vehicle data processors’ self-verification, as well as verification carried out by third parties. ‘Partial contouring of exterior image’ refers to the process of deleting areas containing faces, license plates and other information from videos and images; or alternatively replacing these areas with other images that cannot be associated with the subject of personal information and cannot be restored. However, the draft does not explain the technical means for contouring processing.