Governments around the world are faced with how to respond to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI).
In China, local authorities have announced that they plan to impose mandatory vetting of AI-generating services prior to public operation. According to a statement on the website of China's internet watchdog, the Cyberspace Administration of China, AI service providers are responsible for ensuring that all content is accurate, respects intellectual property (IP), and does not discriminate or endanger security.
Additionally, all AI-generated content must be clearly labeled. The announcements come after Baidu, one of China's largest tech companies, launched its new AI chatbot "Ernie," which rivaled OpenAI's ChatGPT in late March. The chatbot is built on the AI-based deep learning model Ernie, which stands for "Enhanced Expressiveness through Knowledge Integration". In addition to Baidu's AI chatbots, other Chinese tech giants, such as Alibaba and SenseTime, are racing to build AI platforms that rival Google and Microsoft.
Like Chinese authorities, many governments around the world are finding a foothold in responding to the rise of AI services. Recently, Japan publicly expressed support for OpenAI's ChatGPT. The Japanese government has said it will even consider incorporating AI technology into its government systems as long as privacy and cybersecurity concerns are addressed.
Other countries, however, have not taken such a keen stance on the nascent technology. Italian regulators temporarily banned ChatGPT after a data breach on the platform exposed private user data. In Canada, OpenAI faces a privacy probe following allegations it collected personal information. U.S. President Joe Biden also recently addressed technology companies, asking them to consider the risks of AI to society, national security and the economy.
