OpenAI restricts access to developers from mainland China and Hong Kong

Some experts say OpenAI's decision, which will take effect July 9, could affect Chinese companies developing their own services based on OpenAI's large language models (LLMs), the technology behind ChatGPT and similar generative AI applications.

OpenAI's latest move essentially represents a further U.S. restriction on China's access to advanced artificial intelligence technology, according to an industry official who declined to be named because of discussions on politically sensitive issues.

According to the interviewee, a number of AI startups in China are building applications based on OpenAI's large-scale models, which also generate revenue for OpenAI.

"We are developing a special migration plan to switch to domestic masters," the Beijing-based startup said Tuesday, offering 150 million free tokens as well as specialized training courses to support such moves.

The rapid development of artificial intelligence has opened a new front in the technology war between the US and China. The Biden administration is restricting China's access to advanced semiconductors and limiting US investment in the mainland's AI sector. Washington is also reportedly planning to impose new rules to restrict the export of advanced AI models.

OpenAI is careful to ensure that its services are not used by foreigners.

In May, the San Francisco-based company said it had shut down five "covert influence operations," including networks in China, Russia, Iran and Israel, that used its artificial intelligence products to manipulate public opinion or shape political outcomes while hiding their true identities.

In December, OpenAI said it had suspended TikTok owner ByteDance's access to its services, citing rule violations. The Chinese company later claimed that a small group of its engineers had used OpenAI's API service in an experimental model not intended for public launch.

Inside a Chinese factory where they're making humanoid robots with enhanced facial movements

OpenAI, which provides some of the technology for Apple Intelligence, a set of artificial intelligence features recently introduced by the iPhone maker, is not expected to support Apple's new artificial intelligence features in China.

Apple is reportedly looking for local partners to provide services that will comply with various Beijing AI regulations, including those set by the China Electronic Standardization Institute last year to enforce national LLM standards.

With more than 200 self-developed LLMs, Chinese tech companies are still trying to catch up with their global counterparts in AI.

The contenders include big tech companies such as Baidu, ByteDance and South China Morning Post owner Alibaba Group Holding, as well as startups including Zhipu AI, Baichuan, Minimax and Moonshot AI.