China introduces rules for the use of AI

The Chinese government has announced the release of a new set of rules that govern the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI). The rules will come into force on August 15.

Highlights: 

• Service providers must conduct a security assessment and go through algorithm registration procedures before launching any product.

• The AI services offered in China must be consistent with China's socialist values. Beijing fears that generative AI may create content that does not correspond to its political views.

• Industry organizations, firms and research institutes that develop and apply generative AI technologies, but do not provide them to society, are not subject to these rules.

Earlier, the European Union took an important step towards the adoption of one of the first laws regulating AI. In particular, the European Parliament voted in favor of a bill known as the AI law, imposing new restrictions on what is considered risky use of technology.

The EU has moved further in AI regulation than the US and other major Western governments. A block of 27 countries has been discussing this topic for more than two years, and the problem has gained new urgency after the appearance of ChatGPT, which increased concerns about the potential impact of technology on employment and society.

The US has also unveiled policy ideas that include rules for testing AI systems before they become publicly available, and protecting privacy rights.