OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, announced that it will restrict access for developers from “unsupported countries” starting July 9, including mainland China and Hong Kong. While the immediate impact on China is expected to be limited as OpenAI’s services are not officially available in the country, some users access them through VPNs. Chinese regulations require generative AI services to register with authorities, which OpenAI has not done, leading to a small user community operating in grey areas.
Local alternatives to OpenAI’s offerings exist in China, and after the access restriction announcement, many firms saw it as an opportunity to attract new clients. Despite the limited impact on local developers, OpenAI’s move sets a dangerous precedent as it voluntarily excludes China’s users, a departure from the typical business strategies of American companies.
The decision is seen as more geopolitical than business-oriented, potentially linked to US efforts to restrict AI investment deals with China. This move highlights the increasing division in the AI world, with China facing challenges in accessing US funds, hardware, and services. The country may need to focus on developing its own AI ecosystem to compete globally.
In response to the restriction, Microsoft assured users in Hong Kong that they can still access OpenAI’s models through its Azure platform. OpenAI’s decision has broader implications for the global AI landscape, signaling a shift in the dynamics of AI development and competition.
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