OpenAI bans developers from China

OpenAI is working to block access to its generative artificial intelligence (AI) services through its application programming interface (API) from "unsupported countries and territories", including both mainland China and Hong Kong.

OpenAI's latest decision to block maximum access for developers based in China is expected to contribute to reshaping the overall development landscape of the AI ​​market in the region. Analysts believe that this move will not only not hinder the development of the AI ​​field in China, but on the contrary will also help accelerate the country's autonomy in artificial intelligence-related technologies. This billion people.

Zhou Hongyi, CEO of Qihoo 360, a major security company based in China, predicts that the ban will push mainland users to pay more attention to domestic AI models . Qihoo 360 itself also develops a large language model (LLM) which is considered quite potential.

Although OpenAI's services are not officially available in China, developers still use VPNs and APIs to bypass restrictions. However, the newly issued ban is prompting a quick response from the Chinese technology business community, eager to take advantage of the opportunity to attract users' attention to domestic products.

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In response to OpenAI's ban, a series of Chinese companies are offering big incentives to attract developers. For example, Beijing-based company Zhipu AI has launched a 'special migration plan' to facilitate users' transition to the company's platform. Major companies such as Alibaba, Baidu, Baichuan and 01.ai are also rolling out various perks, including discounts, free gifts and technical support. Baidu is offering AI model tuning and 50 million free tokens. Similarly, SenseTime Group Inc. and Zhipu AI are also releasing 50 million and 150 million tokens, respectively, along with completely free training sessions.

However, OpenAI's ban could also lead to the withdrawal of smaller startups. There are also concerns about whether other open source models, like Meta's Llama, will also cut off access to Chinese developers.

Overall, OpenAI's move benefits China's domestic LLM models by reducing competition, but at the same time creates challenges in terms of access to advanced global algorithms. This is in line with the US government's efforts to limit China's expansion into advanced semiconductor and AI technology.

In the long term, lack of access to global tools could slow China's AI progress. Alibaba Chairman Joe Tsai estimates it will take two years for China's AI models to be on par with American AI models. The situation could also accelerate the migration of Chinese tech startups abroad in search of more stable markets.

The OpenAI ban is both an obstacle and a catalyst for growth and transformation in China's AI sector. With more than 200 domestically developed LLMs, of which 117 have been approved for public release, China is poised to strengthen its position in the global AI industry.

Jessica Tanner

Update 28 June 2024