Apple has removed over 100 apps offering ChatGPT-like services from its China store in response to new regulations on generative artificial intelligence (AI). The apps were taken down from China’s iOS app store on Tuesday, ahead of the country’s upcoming regulation on AI, which will be implemented in two weeks. Among the apps removed was Spark, developed by iFlyTek, as well as the popular ChatGAi Plus. Apple cited tighter regulations on deep synthesis technologies and generative AI as the reason for the removals.
The move comes as China’s enthusiasm for generative AI remains high, despite increased scrutiny from Beijing. Last month, China issued its own comprehensive regulations on generative AI models, targeting all generative AI content services. The regulations require firms to promote healthy content, adhere to core socialist values, and avoid generating false information or content that endangers national security. Companies must also undergo a security assessment with the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) before serving the public.
Chinese companies have been racing to develop their own versions of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, resulting in a surge of investment in generative AI start-ups. During the first half of this year, China recorded the largest number of generative AI start-up funding rounds in the world. However, no major public-facing ChatGPT-style service has been launched in China thus far.
China’s Big Tech firms, including Baidu and Alibaba Group Holding, have been experimenting with AI chatbots like Earnie Bot and Tongyi Qianwen. These ventures are currently in trial mode or only available to enterprises. Alibaba’s Ernie Bot, however, is still accessible on Chinese app stores via invitation codes.
Apple’s decision to remove the apps aligns with China’s efforts to regulate the AI sector more closely. By enforcing stricter rules on generative AI, China aims to ensure the responsible use of the technology and prevent the dissemination of harmful or misleading content. As generative AI continues to gain traction in China, companies will need to comply with the new regulations and secure licenses from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) to offer generative AI services.
It remains to be seen how the new regulations will impact the development and deployment of generative AI in China. As companies seek to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape, balancing innovation with compliance will be crucial for success in the country’s thriving AI market.
