(File photo)

Regulations governing driver requirements for ride-sharing services were issued jointly on Monday by the Internet Society of China, a non-profit NGO established by Chinese Internet companies in 2001, and Didi Hitch, a hailing service app that matches drivers and passengers who share similar routes.

There are three primary restrictions on who can be hired in accordance with the regulations. Fugitives or those who have engaged in activities jeopardizing national or public security; persons who have violated Regulations on Administrative Penalties for Public Security, which include violations such as assault and use of illegal drugs; and violators of laws on road traffic safety are also excluded.

A debate on whether or not to exclude persons with criminal histories from the ride-sharing service broke out in March, after thousands of drivers working for popular car-hailing apps in Shenzhen had been found to have criminal records, including drug offenses.

Some feared the restrictions would violate equal employment rights of those with administrative and criminal records on file. Others said they were concerned about the backgrounds of the people that provide chauffeur services, especially those with criminal records.

In the past six months, two Didi drivers have been sentenced to prison -- one for raping a female passenger, and the other for rape and robbery.

Didi says it will continue to vet drivers by conducting background checks and looking into criminal records. It requires applicants to register and provide identification, a driver's license, and vehicle registration information before they can be approved as drivers.