China has launched new regulations on artificial intelligence (AI) generated content this week, in a bid to remain at the forefront of the AI race while keeping a tight rein on online content. The new rules are perceived as a milder version of previously drafted regulations, indicating a strategic balancing act.
AI Ethics
The guidelines highlight that generative AI must align with the “core values of socialism” and avoid promoting threats to national security, terrorism, violence, or ethnic hatred. Moreover, the regulations enforce measures against discrimination based on gender, age, and race when developing algorithms.
Service providers must now label AI-generated content clearly and refrain from generating content containing “false and harmful information.” Moreover, AI programs must use legally sourced data, with individual consent being mandatory for using personal information.
Safety Measures
For the safety of the general public, companies creating publicly available generative AI software must implement measures to prevent minors from over-relying on or becoming addicted to AI services. The rules also obligate these companies to set up mechanisms for the public to report inappropriate content and to delete any illegal content swiftly.
A significant change from previous drafts is that only software impacting “public opinion” must undergo security assessments and filings, showing a more targeted approach.
Enforcement
The new rules, although provisional, will integrate into the framework of existing Chinese laws. Penalties for violations have been toned down from earlier drafts, ranging from warnings to suspensions, with severe punishment reserved for breaches of actual laws.
Comparatively, China’s approach is positioned between the stringent EU rules and the lenient U.S. regulations.
Supporting Innovation
Interestingly, the rules emphasize support for the AI industry’s development and innovation. Restrictions on generative AI from earlier drafts have been relaxed, and the scope has been narrowed to only include publicly available AI programs, excluding R&D uses.
Experts believe this shift signals Beijing’s commitment to remain competitive in the AI industry, reflecting a nuanced approach to regulation.
This news is based on an article from thestar.com.my.
