China regulators have ordered tech platforms to restrict ChatGPT access on their apps and services, according to a report by Nikkei Asia.
The OpenAI chatbot is blocked due to China's internet censorship program, though some people have accessed it using virtual private networks and other means.
- According to Nikkei, China has directed WeChat owner Tencent and Alibaba-affiliate Ant Group to bar access to ChatGPT through their own services as well as third-party apps.
- Regulators are also requiring tech companies to gain clearance before introducing chatbots or similar AI-powered offerings.
- China Daily, the country's largest English-language paper, has recently shared posts warning that ChatGPT could help the U.S. government spread propaganda and disinformation.
- The moves come after Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding confirmed that it's testing a ChatGPT-style tool that can hold conversations.
- Similarly, Chinese search engine giant Baidu said it would finish testing its "Ernie bot" in March. Chinese e-commerce group and Alibaba rival JD.com is also planning to incorporate ChatGPT-like tech into some products.
