Beijing, July 13 (Reuters) - China's cyberspace regulator said on Thursday that new rules governing generative artificial intelligence (AI) services will only apply to products that are available to the general public, rather than those being developed in research institutions, for example.

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said the rules are designed to "ensure the healthy development of generative AI" and to protect users' rights. They require generative AI service providers to obtain a license to operate, and to take measures to prevent the generation of illegal content, such as pornography, violence, and hate speech.

The rules also stipulate that generative AI services must adhere to China's core socialist values, and that they must not be used for discriminatory or unfair purposes.

The CAC said that the rules will be implemented in phases, with the first phase starting on July 15.

In a statement, the CAC said that the rules aim to "encourage innovative applications of generative AI" and to support the development of related infrastructure like semiconductors.

The rules have been met with mixed reactions from the AI community. Some experts have welcomed the rules, saying that they are necessary to protect users and to ensure that generative AI is used responsibly. Others have expressed concerns that the rules are too restrictive and that they could stifle innovation.

It remains to be seen how the rules will be implemented and enforced. However, the CAC's decision to regulate generative AI is a sign that China is taking a serious approach to the development of this technology.

Key Points

• China's cyberspace regulator has released new rules governing generative AI services.
• The rules will only apply to products that are available to the general public.
• Providers of generative AI services will need to obtain a license to operate.
• The rules aim to protect users' rights and to ensure that generative AI is used responsibly.
• The rules have been met with mixed reactions from the AI community.

What's Next?

The CAC said that the rules will be implemented in phases, with the first phase starting on July 15. It remains to be seen how the rules will be implemented and enforced. However, the CAC's decision to regulate generative AI is a sign that China is taking a serious approach to the development of this technology.