In a major notification to control the burgeoning artificial intelligence industry, China’s top internet regulator, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), has announced a nationwide three-month campaign against the use of AI technology in ways that could harm people.
This large-scale action, under the name “Clear and Bright – Crackdown on AI Technology Misuse,” is directed at the promotion of the AI industry and have it develop in a healthy and orderly manner, as well as to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the population.
There will be two phases of the campaign. The first stage will focus on increasing control over sources of AI technology. This involves identifying and removing unauthorized AI applications, tighter scrutiny of AI-generated content and its corresponding technologies, and a demand that online platforms “elevate their efforts” to detect and verify AI violations. Emphasis will also be placed on verifying that providers of generative AI services made the appropriate filing and registration.
The campaign will also focus on the unauthorized cloning or editing of other people’s biometric information, including voice prints, and facial features, and the sale of illegal products that use AI technology, like voice synthesizers, and face-swapping tools. Platforms will be called on to clearly signpost AI-generated content for users.
The second stage of the clampdown will focus on specific, high-profile issues around the misuse of AI. This also covers the sharing of rumours, fake news and porn or profanities generated by AI models.
There will also be a focus on online impersonation and the use of AI in online trolling. This phase will focus on the intensified crackdown of illegal and harmful AI-generated content and punishment of accounts, Multi-Channel Network (MCN) institutions and online platforms in non-compliance.
This reflects the Chinese government’s resolution to manage the risks and challenges that are involved in the accelerating development and rapid deployment of AI technology.
This crackdown requires tech companies working in China to pay even more attention to compliance. Not only they, but also those developing AIs to register and label, and prevent misuse of their products or services for harmful purposes. Non-compliance would lead to hefty fines and a tarnished reputation.
The effort is likely to lead to additional content moderation and further algorithms to curb AI-generated disinformation on online platforms of all stripes. So while some tech companies may find this challenging, others who already embed ethical considerations in their approach to developing and deploying AI could end up leading the game in an increasingly regulated and trust-worthy digital environment.
The bigger picture: The crackdown is likely to have a lasting impact in the form of a more uniform and responsible AI ecosystem in China.
