China’s New Rules on AI Chatbots Promote Socialist Values and Responsible Content Creation
China has recently announced comprehensive regulations on generative artificial intelligence (AI) models, with a specific emphasis on promoting core socialist values. These rules, set to take effect on August 15, will apply only to AI chatbot services available to the public. The goal is to encourage the responsible development and use of AI technology in the country.
Developed by a group of Chinese regulators led by the Cyberspace Administration of China, the regulations aim to create an inclusive and cautious approach toward generative AI services. They will adopt a graded regulatory approach to ensure that the technology is properly regulated.
These regulations will encompass all generative AI content services, including text, pictures, audio, and video, offered to the Chinese public. Companies providing these services will be required to adhere to core socialist values and avoid generating content that promotes violence, addiction among minors, or any form of misinformation that may be harmful.
The rules also extend to algorithm design and training data selection. Service providers are prohibited from discriminating based on factors such as ethnicity, faith, country, region, gender, age, occupation, or health. Intellectual property rights must also be respected. Additionally, the regulations encourage innovative applications of generative AI technology and the creation of positive and healthy content.
Notably, the finalized regulations differ from the initial draft released in April, which included punitive measures such as fines for technology-related offenses. These have been removed from the final version. However, if generative AI service providers discover users generating illegal content on their platforms, they are required to cease operations and report the activities to the authorities.
To protect minors from developing addictive habits, AI service providers must also implement safeguards within their services. These measures align with China’s commitment to supporting the development of generative AI technology while ensuring it is used responsibly.
At present, Chinese companies don’t have permission to release ChatGPT-like services for public use. Baidu’s Ernie Bot and Alibaba’s Tongyi Qianwen are still in trial mode or limited to business use. OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard are likewise inaccessible in China, with links to foreign models blocked.
The new regulations offer insight into China’s approach to regulating the development and use of AI technologies. By emphasizing socialist values and responsible content creation, the Chinese government aims to foster a positive and safe environment for AI services while promoting the nation’s core principles.
