Measures issued for managing generative AI services

The central authorities will encourage the innovative development of generative artificial intelligence and supervise generative AI using methods compatible with innovation and development, according to interim measures for managing generative AI services which were released on Thursday.

The 24-item measures, which will take effect on Aug 15, were jointly issued by seven authorities including the Cyberspace Administration of China, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Public Security.

The measures aim to regulate the use of the technology, promote the healthy development of the sector and protect people's legitimate rights, the authorities said.

While lauding the country's encouragement of the application of generative AI in diverse fields, legal and internet professionals also welcomed the drawing of a bottom line for those providing relevant services in order to safeguard national security and public interest.

"I'm glad to see our country formulate such guidelines, as the rapid growth of new technology not only creates opportunities for economic and social development but also triggers public concerns over some problems that need to be solved in this regard," said Zhao Zhanling, a lawyer specializing in internet-related disputes at Beijing Yunjia Law Firm.

The measures show that the authorities are paying greater attention to this technology, as well as its development and application.

Compared with a draft version issued in April to seek public opinion, the measures released on Thursday offer a greater role for organizations, enterprises and academic institutions to research and innovate the technology, he added.

Zheng Ning, head of the law department at Communication University of China's Cultural Industries Management School, said the measures provide more support in promoting studies of this technology than there were in the draft version issued in April.

At the same time, the measures also set out boundaries for those applying the technology or offering related services and clarify what they should not do if they are engaged in the industry, added Zheng.

The measures support the application of the technology in various fields to produce positive and high-quality content, and encourage the independent innovation of basic technologies such as generative AI algorithms, frameworks, chips and supporting software platforms.

"International exchanges and cooperation on an equal footing and for mutual benefit are allowed, and participation in relevant global rule-making is also encouraged," the document said.

The measures are not only important in promoting the healthy development of generative AI but are also a practical means of limiting its risks, it said, stressing that development is as important as safety.

But it underscored that content generated by AI must not subvert State power, or incite the overthrowing of the socialist system or the destruction of national unity. Content created involving terrorism, extremism, ethnic discrimination, hatred, violence, pornography and fake content is also prohibited, as is anything that may disturb economic and social order.

If they are found to have illegal content, the service providers will be required to stop generating or spreading the content and solve problems by optimizing their methods of data training, it added.

The document also called for more sectors of society, including companies and netizens, to participate in the governance of generative AI so that it better benefits the people.

caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn