Beijing Implements Strict Regulations to Limit AI Use in Medical Prescriptions
The Beijing Municipal Health Commission has recently proposed regulations that aim to restrict the use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in producing medical prescriptions. These regulations, if approved, will mark the first time a local government has explicitly limited the use of generative AI in healthcare.
The main objective behind these rules is to ensure that AI does not replace doctors in providing diagnosis and treatment services. While the Chinese central government has already implemented some regulations on AI, it has yet to permit the introduction of consumer-oriented systems like the renowned ChatGPT.
China has long expressed its ambition to lead the global AI research arena. This ambition is fueled by the country’s disregard for privacy rights and its keenness to amass huge databases, often without the knowledge or consent of the individuals involved. However, China finds itself facing a paradoxical situation where it pursues techno-utilitarianism while also harboring concerns about potential disruptions caused by AI and its impact on an already fragile economy with rising unemployment rates.
Moreover, the Chinese government is eager to ensure that AI technologies align with Communist ideology. Numerous regulations have been established to mandate that all AI chatbots adhere to core socialist values and avoid expressing ideas that could incite the subversion of state power or the overthrow of the socialist system. The list of prohibited expressions for Chinese AI systems continues to grow.
Interestingly, while China seems hesitant to allow AI to prescribe medication, it remains interested in utilizing AI as a healthcare resource, particularly for online health services. The Beijing municipal health commission, which advocated against AI prescribing medicine, is also prioritizing the establishment of an online platform for diagnosis and treatment supervision.
In previous years, China had shown great enthusiasm in exploring the potential of AI to address the unequal distribution of medical resources and streamline an inefficient national healthcare system. However, recent developments indicate Chinese officials’ concerns about AI potentially displacing doctors from their jobs.
In conclusion, Beijing is taking a firm stance on restricting the use of AI in medical prescriptions. These proposed regulations reflect China’s desire to maintain control over AI technologies while also benefiting from their potential in the healthcare sector. As the debate around AI and its role in society continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these regulations will shape the future of AI applications in China’s healthcare system.
