China has recently removed multiple generative AI apps from Apple’s China App Store, ahead of new regulations set to take effect on August 15. Developers in China received notices from Apple regarding their apps’ removal, with Apple citing content that is illegal in China as the reason for pulling the apps.
The move comes after China announced measures in July to regulate generative AI services, including API providers. Under these rules, AI apps operating in China are required to obtain an administrative license. Apple’s removal notice reflects this requirement, stating that the apps associated with ChatGPT, a native ChatGPT client, do not have the necessary permits to operate in China.
A popular tech blogger tweeted screenshots showing over 100 AI apps that have been removed from the China App Store, and TechCrunch has confirmed that several of these apps are indeed no longer available in the store.
China has been at the forefront of regulating the rapidly growing generative AI space, particularly as apps leveraging large language models like ChatGPT have gained popularity in the country. The unpredictable and secretive nature of these language models raises concerns for China’s cyberspace censors, who strive to prevent the dissemination of illegal or politically sensitive information.
China has previously implemented licensing requirements in other areas of the internet, such as video games. It remains to be seen what criteria will be necessary to obtain a generative AI license. However, the new regulatory environment is expected to deter many developers, particularly independent ones with limited resources, from entering the market. This could potentially leave the market in the hands of well-funded internet giants who are better equipped to navigate compliance layers.
As of now, TechCrunch has reached out to Apple for comments on the situation. It will be interesting to see how Apple responds and if any further developments arise regarding the removal of generative AI apps from the China App Store.
In summary, China’s proactive approach to regulating the generative AI space is evident through the removal of multiple AI apps from Apple’s China App Store. With new regulations on the horizon, obtaining the necessary administrative license will become a requirement for AI apps operating in China. These regulations are likely to have a significant impact on the development of independent AI apps, potentially favoring larger internet companies. The evolving regulatory landscape poses challenges and uncertainties for developers in the generative AI space.
