Muscat – Technical regulations for Internet-connected vehicles are being drawn up with proposed safeguards covering personal data, cybersecurity, emergency communications and the localisation of vehicle-generated information within Oman.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has opened a public consultation on the draft framework as connected technologies become increasingly embedded in modern vehicles.

The consultation will remain open till September 1.

According to the TRA, the initiative is intended to strengthen data and privacy protection, improve cybersecurity and keep pace with digital transformation in transport and smart mobility.

One of the key issues under review is how emergency communications and roadside assistance should operate.

The accompanying questionnaire asks stakeholders whether they agree with a proposed requirement for such communications to be routed directly to call centres located in Oman, while inviting alternative proposals where respondents disagree.

Vehicle connectivity itself is also under scrutiny, with the consultation seeking views on the types and technologies of telecommunications SIM cards used in connected vehicles.

Data governance is a major part of the proposed framework. Stakeholders are being asked whether the provisions adequately protect vehicle owners from risks, as well as whether proposed data classifications, security controls and localisation requirements meet regulatory needs.

The consultation also examines whether the planned technical architecture provides sufficient protection for vehicle owners and whether disclosure and reporting requirements adequately safeguard the rights of data owners.

The consultation covers five principal areas – telecommunications SIM cards; emergency communications and roadside assistance; data governance; technical infrastructure; and disclosure and reporting requirements.

Connected vehicles can continuously exchange information through mobile networks, creating new services but also generating significant volumes of data related to vehicles, drivers and their use.

The proposed rules therefore seek to establish clearer responsibilities around how such information is transmitted, stored, protected and disclosed.

Beyond consumer protection, TRA said the regulatory initiative aims to enhance local value addition, ensure secure infrastructure and build qualified national capabilities to support emerging technologies.

Stakeholders have been invited to comment on the scope and definitions of the regulations as well as raise additional concerns or suggest alternatives before the draft is finalised.

The TRA informed that all responses would be reviewed, though the authority would not be obliged to adopt every recommendation submitted during the three-week consultation period.