VW scandal raises global software transparency concern

Significance

The vehicles were fitted with illegal software to rig diesel emission measurements. The scandal raises wider concerns that similar types of software-based fraud may affect other companies and industries.

Impacts

• Comprehensive transparency and disclosure requirements are unlikely to be introduced to allow wider software monitoring.
• Ineffective regulation, if widely known, may tempt companies and third parties to engage in improper conduct.
• Revelations of further software misuse affecting public safety could result in greater regulatory oversight.