China is planning to introduce rules for generative AI, aiming to strike a balance between encouraging local companies to develop the technology and maintaining content control.
The Cyberspace Administration of China is working on a licensing system that will require companies to obtain a license before releasing generative AI systems.
The new regulations tighten the previous draft regulations issued in April, reducing the time frame for registration with Chinese authorities after launch.
Beijing faces a challenge reconciling its ambition to develop cutting-edge technologies with its censorship regime.
Chinese authorities are facing a trade-off between sustaining AI leadership and controlling information.
Generative AI systems, which produce humanlike content in response to prompts, are on the rise, prompting China to respond.
The content generated by AI systems should align with core socialist values and must not subvert state power or undermine national unity.
Companies like Baidu and Alibaba have been in contact with regulators to ensure compliance with the rules for their generative AI applications.
The regulations in China focus on content control and ensuring the reliability and controllability of AI systems, addressing concerns about data usage.