Chinese Regulators Approved over 40 AI Models For Public Use in Last 6 Months

• Blockchain Council
• September 13, 2024

In a significant move to bolster its AI capabilities, China has approved more than 40 artificial intelligence (AI) models for public use within the initial six months of implementing a groundbreaking regulatory system. The Chinese authorities embarked on this path of regulation last August, requiring tech companies to seek regulatory approval before making their Large Language Models (LLMs) accessible to the general public. Since then, they have granted approvals in four batches, with the most recent set of approvals including 14 prominent LLMs. While the exact list of approved companies remains undisclosed, reports indicate that more than 40 AI models have successfully received the green light.

The significance of these developments cannot be overstated, as China seeks to close the gap with the United States in the global AI race. As of 2022, China already possessed 130 LLMs, constituting 40% of the global total, closely trailing the United States, which held a 50% share, as per brokerage CLSA data. This regulatory push reflects China’s dual strategy of fostering AI development while maintaining stringent regulatory oversight.

China’s regulatory journey commenced in August, shortly after the introduction of the approval process. Notable technology giants like Baidu, Alibaba, and ByteDance were among the first to secure approvals, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s AI landscape.

The latest batch of approvals, reported by the state-backed Securities Times, includes well-known companies such as Xiaomi Corp, 4Paradigm, and 01.AI, highlighting the diverse spectrum of AI applications entering the public sphere. These approvals underscore China’s commitment to nurturing AI technology while ensuring it remains within its purview and control.

Baidu’s Ernie Bot, a ChatGPT-like chatbot, stands out as a testament to China’s AI prowess. By December, it had already amassed over 100 million users, showcasing the immense potential and widespread adoption of AI technologies within the country.

China’s rapid progress in AI development can be attributed to its proactive response to global trends, notably the emergence of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in 2022. The sheer number of LLMs in China’s possession, accounting for 40% of the global total, signifies the country’s determination to lead in the AI domain.

The decision to require regulatory approval for public access to LLMs reflects China’s nuanced approach to AI development. By striking a balance between fostering innovation and maintaining oversight, China aims to harness the transformative power of AI while safeguarding against potential risks.

The four batches of approvals, spanning from August to the present month, have demonstrated China’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to AI innovation. While the government has not publicly disclosed the complete list of approved companies, the fact that more than 40 AI models have gained approval signifies the breadth and diversity of AI applications being unleashed.

In a world increasingly reliant on AI, the implications of China’s regulatory approach are far-reaching. As AI continues to permeate various aspects of society, from healthcare to finance and entertainment, ensuring responsible and secure deployment becomes paramount.

China’s strategy of combining rapid AI development with rigorous regulatory oversight is a testament to its vision of becoming a global AI powerhouse. The global AI landscape is evolving rapidly, and China’s proactive stance positions it to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AI technologies.

The journey of AI development is a dynamic one, with ongoing advancements and challenges. China’s measured approach, exemplified by its approval of over 40 AI models for public use, reflects a commitment to harnessing AI’s potential while safeguarding against potential pitfalls.

As we witness the continued growth of AI in China and around the world, it is clear that this transformative technology will have a profound impact on our lives. The emergence of chatbots like Baidu’s Ernie Bot, with millions of users, showcases the widespread adoption and integration of AI into everyday interactions.

China’s recent approvals of more than 40 AI models for public use signify a significant milestone in its quest to become a global AI leader. The regulatory framework established in response to the rapid development of AI technologies underscores China’s commitment to responsible innovation. With the world watching closely, China’s approach to AI development and regulation will undoubtedly shape the future of this transformative technology.