China implements stricter regulations on AI as Apple removes ChatGPT-like apps from Chinese app store

China is gearing up to enforce stringent guidelines and regulations surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), set to take effect on August 15. In anticipation of these measures, Apple has recently removed hundreds of ChatGPT-like apps from the Chinese App Store. According to a report by South Morning China Post, prominent apps like Spark and ChatGAi Plus were among those taken down, with the latter holding the ninth spot among paid apps in the Chinese App Store.

This is not the first instance of Apple removing apps in compliance with Chinese government requirements. Back in 2020, numerous games were also pulled from the App Store due to failure to meet specific criteria set by Chinese authorities.

While AI has witnessed remarkable growth in the past six months, thanks to ChatGPT, it remains banned in China. However, Chinese tech giants such as Baidu and Alibaba have indicated their commitment to significantly promoting AI. Baidu introduced its ChatGPT rival, ErnieBot, earlier this year, with significant investments backing its development.


Recognizing the rapid growth of AI, China has established new rules and guidelines for AI technology, placing a particular emphasis on generative AI content services. Companies are now required to exercise utmost caution in the content generated by AI, ensuring it aligns with "healthy" and "core socialist values." Additionally, all generated content must refrain from being fake, misleading, or endangering national security.

One of China's primary concerns regarding AI is its potential misuse to disseminate misinformation and propaganda. The nation is also wary of the technology being employed to create deepfakes—manipulated videos or audio recordings portraying individuals saying or doing things they never actually said or did. In response to these potential risks, the Chinese government is taking proactive steps to regulate AI, safeguarding its citizens from potential harm.

As China continues to pave the way for the responsible and beneficial use of AI, tech companies and users alike must comply with the new guidelines to ensure a secure and ethical AI landscape within the country. With the implementation of these regulations, China seeks to harness the full potential of AI while mitigating potential threats and risks associated with its misuse.