Ahead of new generative AI regulations due to take effect on August 15, Apple has removed multiple such apps from its China App Store. This comes after Apple notified Chinese developers about the impending removal of their apps. In a letter to OpenCat, a native client for ChatGPT, Apple stated that "content that is illegal in China" was the reason for the app's removal.
In July, China introduced measures to regulate generative AI services, including API providers. These rules necessitate that AI apps operating in China secure an administrative license, a requirement reflected in Apple's removal notice.
Apple informed OpenCat about the tightening of Chinese regulations concerning deep synthesis technologies and generative AI services, including ChatGPT. These services must fulfill specific requirements, including obtaining a license from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
Screenshots shared by tech blogger @foxshuo revealed over 100 AI apps have been removed from the China App Store, a fact later confirmed by TechCrunch.
China is leading the way in generative AI space regulation, especially regarding apps that use large language models like ChatGPT. With these new regulations, China aims to ensure that no illegal or politically sensitive information is released through these AI systems. This new regulatory environment may deter many developers, particularly independent ones, from entering the market, potentially leaving it dominated by major internet companies with the resources to navigate compliance layers.
