In a landmark move, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has greenlit numerous tech companies to deploy their artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbots on a large scale, as reported by Reuters. Previously, these firms were confined to conducting small-scale public tests, but now they have the government’s blessing to take their AI innovations to the masses.
The AI Rush in China
Chinese tech giants have been funneling billions into AI model development, a surge sparked by the phenomenal success of OpenAI’s ChatGPT last year. According to a report from The Information, OpenAI is projected to generate a staggering billion-dollar revenue over the next year. This monumental growth has prompted Chinese tech firms to invest heavily in bilingual AI models that excel in both English and Mandarin. This strategic move not only targets the vast domestic market but also positions them to compete globally, alongside the likes of ChatGPT.
Navigating the Regulatory Landscape
AI, being a transformative technology, has stirred calls for stringent regulation. Prominent figures in the tech industry, including Elon Musk, have advocated for a moratorium on further technological development to facilitate thoughtful consideration of the way forward.
While the United States is still shaping its AI policy, China has been swift in announcing its regulatory framework for the industry. In April, the country unveiled its initial stance on AI, but recent updates reveal a more moderate approach to compliance requirements. As of August 15th, companies must obtain government clearance before offering services to a substantial user base. Now, the CAC has given the green light to 11 companies to launch these services, and many have already made their debut.
AI Propels Tech Stocks
Chinese tech giant Baidu took the lead in introducing its AI-powered bot to users. Initially unveiled in March, Baidu’s Ernie bot had limited public access. Following recent approvals, Ernie rapidly ascended to become the most sought-after app on the Chinese App Store.
Another notable player, SenseTime, confirmed that its SenseBot is now available to users. Three additional AI startups have also unveiled their offerings. Notably absent from the launch party is the Alibaba Group, whose Tongyi Qianwen AI model created significant buzz upon its release but has yet to secure government approval for a public launch, according to Reuters.
In China, the first-mover advantage carries immense significance, given the potential customer base of over a billion individuals. With OpenAI’s ChatGPT off-limits in the country, users are eager to experience this technology. Early releases not only attract more users but also enable companies to refine their offerings swiftly.
In the wake of these developments, stock prices for Baidu and SenseTime experienced an upswing on the Hong Kong exchange, even as broader markets fluctuated. The government is placing great emphasis on revitalizing the nation’s economy, with AI technology occupying a top spot on the technology sector’s priority list.
Notably, ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, and Tencent, the world’s largest gaming company by revenue, have also secured approvals for their AI offerings. Details remain scarce, but these industry giants are poised to make significant waves in the evolving AI landscape.
