Multiple generative artificial intelligence (AI) apps like ChatGPT have been removed from Apple's China App Store two weeks ahead of the country's new generative AI regulations on August 15.
According to TechCrunch, the move came after Chinese developers received notices from Apple informing them of their app's removal.
For instance, Apple sent a letter to ChatGPT's Chinese client OpenCat about the app's removal, saying "content that is illegal in China" was the reason why it was pulled out.
"As you may know, the government has been tightening regulations associated with deep synthesis technologies (DST) and generative AI services, including ChatGPT. DST must fulfill permitting requirements to operate in China, including securing a license from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)," Apple said to OpenCat.
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一大波AI应用被国区App Store下架，应该是苹果应合规要求做了批量操作。 pic.twitter.com/I0wvkTBCIv
— 阑夕 (@foxshuo) August 1, 2023
China Regulates AI to Prevent Dissent
Apple's decision was prompted by the Chinese government announcing a set of measures to regulate generative AI services, including application programming interface (API), that are offered to the public. This meant AI apps operating in China are required to obtain an administrative license and should "adhere to core values of socialism."
China has been regulating multiple industries, products, and services as part of its continued assertion of dominance in the Asia-Pacific region as well as the curtailment of any kind of dissent in its society. It has also been doing so to the flourishing generative AI industry, especially as apps leveraging large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT have sprouted in the country.
It is no wonder China's cyberspace censors are concerned with the unpredictable and black-box nature of LLM apps, TechCrunch added.
On the other hand, popular tech blogger @foxshuo tweeted screenshots showing supposedly over 100 AI apps have been removed from Apple's China App Store, with TechCrunch and the South China Morning Post confirming several of the apps were no longer found.
Apple has not yet provided any comment as of this report.
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