The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and other authorities have taken action against website operators for offering unauthorized generative AI (GenAI) services like ChatGPT in the mainland. This crackdown is in line with AI regulations implemented last year, requiring all AI services to be screened and registered before public access.
Despite these regulations, some developers have bypassed them using VPNs. OpenAI recently blocked access to its API in unsupported regions, including mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, along with US-sanctioned countries like Iran, North Korea, and Russia.
Specifically, the CAC in Chongqing penalized Nanchuan District Rongcheng Network Technology Studio for offering ChatGPT services without safety assessment. Other operators were punished for failing to censor illegal content generated by undisclosed GenAI services.
Authorities in Changsha and Leiyang also dealt with individuals misusing AI technology. Beijing remains cautious about GenAI and stresses adherence to socialist values to prevent content that threatens national security.