China issues temporary rules for generative AI services

HONG KONG: China issued a set of interim measures on Thursday to manage the booming generative artificial intelligence (AI) industry, paving the way for Chinese tech companies to roll out AI services in the country.

The Cyberspace Administration of China, which released the set of rules on its website, said that service providers will need to conduct security assessments and perform algorithm filing procedures before product launches. The measures will go into effect on Aug. 15.

The success of ChatGPT, a wildly popular chatbot developed by the Microsoft-backed OpenAI, ignited a generative AI frenzy in China and worldwide. The interim rules come after many Chinese companies have completed the development of their AI products but were waiting for government approvals for public launches.

The internet watchdog said that AI services offered in the country need to be in line with China's socialist values.

It said that regulators will "formulate corresponding classification and grading regulatory rules or guidelines" based on different generative AI technologies' characteristics and use cases.

It also added that industry organisations, firms and research institutes that develop and apply generative AI tech but do not provide it to the public will not be subject to the measures.