China has recently unveiled draft guidelines aimed at exerting greater control over generative artificial intelligence (AI) services. The draft, presented by the National Information Security Standardisation Technical Committee, focuses on safeguarding training data and regulating large language models (LLMs) integral to generative AI services.
The guidelines mandate that AI developers exclusively utilize authorized data for training while implementing security measures to prevent data breaches and copyright violations.
This move is a significant step towards ensuring the quality and legality of data fueling these algorithms. However, it’s essential to note the inclusion of a ‘blacklist system,’ blocking training materials with over 5% illegal or harmful content, as defined by the nation’s cybersecurity laws.
While these rules aim to ensure responsible and legal content generation, they raise valid concerns about innovation and freedom of speech. The guidelines specify that algorithms should align with models filed and licensed by authorities, potentially constraining developers’ experimentation and innovation, which could impede the growth of this versatile technology.
Furthermore, these regulations add an extra layer to the government’s censorship mechanism. In a nation where ‘illegal content’ encompasses sensitive political topics like Taiwan’s status, fears arise that AI models might be employed to reinforce a singular narrative.
Notably, during internal tests, Chinese chatbots exhibited diverse responses when queried about Taiwan’s status, some even refusing to respond, reflecting the sensitivity of the issue.
The draft is currently open for public feedback until October 25. As one of the early adopters of laws governing generative AI, the world closely monitors this move to gauge its impact on the future of AI, considering both technological advancements and the preservation of freedom of expression.
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