Generative AI Faces Regulation with Encouragement and Standardization in Parallel
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China's first regulatory document on generative artificial intelligence (AI) has been officially released.
Recently, the Cyberspace Administration of China and six other departments issued the 'Interim Measures for the Management of Generative Artificial Intelligence Services' (hereinafter referred to as the 'Measures'), which will take effect on August 15, 2023. It is reported that the 'Measures' clarify specific measures to promote the development of generative AI technology, establish basic norms for generative AI services, and further regulate activities such as data processing, aiming to safeguard national security and social public interests, as well as protect the legitimate rights and interests of citizens, legal entities, and other organizations.
Experts interviewed by China Economic Times stated that the introduction of the 'Measures' is a positive signal of the country's support for the development of generative AI, which will drive generative AI toward healthy development and standardized application.
Encouragement and Standardization in Parallel
In recent years, generative AI technology has developed rapidly, covering fields such as creative industries, personalized services, healthcare, virtual reality, data synthesis and enhancement, and artistic and cultural creation. It has brought more innovation, efficiency, and value to various industries, as well as new opportunities for economic and social development. At the same time, the development of generative AI technology has also raised issues such as the dissemination of false information, infringement of personal information rights, data security, and bias and discrimination. How to protect the data and personal information security of generative AI technology, enhance industry compliance, and improve the quality and level of AI development has become an urgent problem to solve.
The Cyberspace Administration of China released the 'Generative Artificial Intelligence Service Management Measures (Draft for Comments)' to solicit public opinions, aiming to promote the healthy development and standardized application of generative AI technology. Now, the 'Measures' have been officially released, providing direction for the orderly implementation of related management work.
Ouyang Rihui, Deputy Director of the China Internet Economy Research Institute at the Central University of Finance and Economics, told the reporter that the 'Measures' have three highlights worth noting.
First, the 'Measures' focus on two important areas of the digital economy: digital industrialization and industrial digitization, covering aspects such as AI research and development, technology, and product application. It not only tracks and regulates the latest technology development and application in a timely manner but also encourages and supports the research and innovation of generative AI technology. Overall, the regulatory direction is to encourage and standardize in parallel, supporting innovation while ensuring security.
Second, the 'Measures' require effective measures to encourage the innovative development of generative AI and implement inclusive, prudent, and classified supervision of generative AI services. This reflects China's regulatory principles and attitude toward new things, new business models, new modes, and new technologies, signaling more precise and targeted supervision. It also shows that China's regulatory approach to new things is becoming more agile and mature.
Third, the 'Measures' adhere to a rule-of-law-based regulatory direction, providing a stable expectation for the market. Under the premise that what is not prohibited by law is permitted, it is more conducive to the growth of new industries, technologies, models, and business models, fostering a more suitable business environment for the development of the digital economy.
Finding a Balance Between Regulation and Development
Looking back, every technological revolution has been accompanied by great opportunities and risks, as well as stricter norms and regulations. However, the industry is often more concerned about the problems of 'over-regulation stifling innovation' and 'laissez-faire leading to chaos.'
Wu Shenkuo, Deputy Director of the Research Center of the China Internet Society, said that in the face of new technologies and applications, it is necessary to continuously explore a set of agile and efficient regulatory mechanisms and methods to maximize the timely response to and handling of various associated risks.
How to find a balance between policy regulation and technological development?
Experts suggest that, first, it is necessary to ensure that the decision-making process for regulation and technological development involves broad participation, including stakeholders such as the government, academia, industry experts, technology companies, and the public. Through multi-party participation, a balance of different perspectives can be achieved, ensuring the scientific and fair nature of regulatory policies.
Second, comprehensive risk assessment and monitoring should be conducted to promptly identify and address the potential negative impacts of generative AI technology. This requires the establishment of monitoring mechanisms to track the development and application of technology, identify potential risks and problems, and take timely measures to resolve them.
At the same time, relevant legal and regulatory frameworks should be established to ensure the reasonable regulation of generative AI technology. In fact, the 'Measures' have already set clear requirements for generative AI services in multiple aspects, including algorithm design and filing, training data, models, user privacy, protection of trade secrets, supervision, inspection, and legal liability. The next step is to ensure that the relevant provisions are implemented effectively.
In addition, international cooperation and knowledge sharing should be strengthened to jointly address the regulatory and developmental challenges of generative AI technology. International cooperation can promote experience exchange, jointly formulate standards and best practices, and avoid the incoordination and friction that may arise from isolated regulatory measures.
In summary, in the process of finding a balance between regulation and development, policymakers need to weigh the relationship between promoting innovation and managing risks. It is necessary to support the innovation and development of generative AI technology while ensuring that it aligns with social ethics and values and protects public interests. This requires continuous dialogue, cooperation, and adjustment to find the best balance and timely optimize regulatory policies.