By Onn Haran
Published on eeTimes Europe
Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology connects all road users to enhance road safety and improve traffic efficiency through direct communication. Network-based communication, or vehicle-to-network-to-everything (V2N2X), aims to support some V2X use cases by transmitting data through the cellular network to multiple cloud servers.
Examining the ethical aspects of both V2X and V2N2X provides new insights into their respective characteristics.
Privacy
Ethical implementation of these technologies necessitates strong measures to anonymize data and prevent unauthorized access, ensuring that data is solely used for safety and efficiency and not for surveillance or commercial purposes without consent.
V2X is designed with these requirements in mind, using random and frequently changing identifiers for road users. Data is not stored and cannot be accessed from the internet. In contrast, V2N2X has inherent privacy challenges, as it involves linking personal identities and exchanging data through multiple cloud servers.
Cybersecurity
Vehicular communication must protect against cyberattacks that could lead to malicious vehicle control, traffic disruptions, or accidents. V2X incorporates robust cybersecurity measures, but proving security is essential. Every V2X device should comply with stringent global certification standards, such as the Common Criteria, which ensure rigorous testing against cyber threats and adherence to secure development protocols.
V2N2X, however, lacks defined certification schemes, largely due to the impracticality of certifying its complex design and, thus, the inability to prove the security.
Safety
Vehicular safety systems need to be highly reliable to prevent malfunctions that could lead to accidents. Initially, V2X operations are limited to issuing warnings. By the end of the decade, V2X is expected to be capable of applying brakes automatically, improving safety as the system learns from other sensors.
V2X systems must undergo stringent safety certification, ISO 26262, to minimize failure rates and ensure early detection of potential issues. V2N2X, lacking the ability to obtain ISO 26262 certification, will not be authorized for automatic braking, thus limiting its full potential compared to V2X.
Equity
The technology should be affordable for everyone. The total cost of technology includes both initial equipment costs and ongoing expenses. V2X data transmission is free, allowing vehicles to benefit from it throughout their lifespan.
Vehicles cannot use drivers’ cellular phones for safety applications due to technical and liability concerns, so V2N2X would require subsidizing the vehicle’s cellular communication. Currently, car manufacturers cover connectivity costs for new vehicles, but there is no sustainable business model for maintaining vehicle connectivity throughout its entire life. Equity considerations require that older vehicles should support safety technology, but V2N2X cannot guarantee this.
Access
The technology should be universally accessible, regardless of the road user’s location. People in rural areas deserve the same safety standards as those in urban areas. V2X operates consistently, anywhere, and at any time. However, V2N2X relies on mobile network deployment, and unfortunately, coverage in rural areas is often limited, resulting in unequal access to safety features.
Regulatory frameworks
A clear and comprehensive regulatory framework should govern the development, deployment and use of V2X technology. Established standards facilitate a fair market and foster a diverse ecosystem of suppliers. Car manufacturers cannot initiate a widespread deployment without a long-term, reliable framework.
V2X standards are mature after a decade of development, with multiple suppliers demonstrating interoperability at industry events. Certification programs are in place, and regulatory frameworks are well-established. In contrast, V2N2X is still in its early stages, and these standards and frameworks are not yet developed.
In conclusion, evaluating these ethical aspects helps align the technologies with societal values, maximizing benefits while minimizing potential risks and harms. V2X meets ethical requirements effectively, whereas V2N2X falls short in key areas.
