China's efforts to regulate and control deep fake technology have taken a significant step forward with the recent release of the country's first list of approved suppliers.
The South China Morning Post reports that the "white list," published by the Cyber Administration of China (CAC), includes 41 algorithms owned by major technology players such as Tencent, Baidu, and Alibaba.
The move aims to bring the rapidly evolving technology under the national security umbrella and combat the spread of misinformation and propaganda.
China's Deepfake Tech Rules
The Administrative Provisions on Deep Synthesis for Internet Information Service, which took effect on January 10, requires deep synthesis service providers to register and comply with regulations.
China's new Deep Synthesis Provisions control deep synthesis (or deepfake) technology and services, such as text, images, audio, and video generated by AI-based models.
China ensures these influential companies adhere to the prescribed guidelines by including technology giants in the approved supplier list.
The registered companies span various industries and provide services such as generating pictures from text, editing client-uploaded images or videos, and intelligent customer service.
The white list provides detailed information about the algorithms, including company names, product names, and filing numbers, allowing for transparency and accountability in using deep fake technology.
Read Also: China's New Law Targets Deep Synthesis Tech and Deepfakes to Counter Online Misinformation
China's AI Technology Guardrails
Introducing these regulations reflects China's assertive approach to managing the risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) and deep fake technologies.
As one of the first countries to regulate the AI sector, China aims to mitigate biases, combat the spread of misinformation, and protect national security and public interest.
By addressing these concerns head-on, China seeks to maintain control over the rapidly developing field of AI.
China's emphasis on national security cannot be overstated, especially in its ongoing tensions with Western countries, particularly the United States.
Since 2014, China has adopted a comprehensive national security framework covering various governance aspects, including politics, economy, defense, culture, ecology, and cyberspace.
This framework prioritizes the protection of citizens, companies, and core socialist values.
Deepfake Risks
The risks associated with deep fake technology are not unique to China. In May last year, SCMP reported that Professor Liu Guozhu from Zhejiang University highlighted China's potential challenges, particularly concerning religious extremists and national separatists.
Deep fake technology has the power to penetrate and manipulate narratives, creating political and social tensions. Addressing these risks is crucial for China's stability and security.
While China's actions aim to ensure control and security, they also raise questions about privacy and the balance between regulation and innovation.
The recent case in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, where an individual was defrauded using deep fake technology, underscores the need for robust information security measures.
As AI-driven fraud incidents increase, the public is rightly concerned about privacy and the potential exploitation of personal data.
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