China is taking a significant step forward in its digital regulation by proposing new rules that require all content generated by artificial intelligence (AI) be clearly identified. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) announced a plan last Saturday that, if approved, will require online platforms and service providers to visibly label any AI-generated material, including inserting metadata into relevant files.
Regulatory Proposals
The proposals detail that labels should appear in various locations in text, images, videos, and audio files. For audio files, the Chinese government wants an audible warning informing listeners of AI-generated content at the beginning and end of the file, and, if appropriate, during playback. Software that plays these files will also be required to inform users when they are consuming AI-generated content.
For videos, notices are required to be posted at the beginning, end, and at relevant times during the video. Users who post AI-generated content will be required to identify it as such and identify themselves, with records of their activity being kept for six months.
Responsibilities of Platforms and Users
Some labels will be applied dynamically, based on metadata embedded in AI-generated content. If a file doesn't contain this metadata, service providers will be required to analyze the content and, if they suspect AI-generated content, label it appropriately.
Furthermore, the proposed code requires Chinese internet platforms to share technologies developed to detect AI content, so that all can improve their efforts in this regard. Failure to comply with these rules will result in penalties for platform operators and individuals.
International Context and Implications
Although the draft is open for comments until October, it is unlikely to undergo significant changes, following China's pattern of strict regulation of online content. This measure reflects the country's ongoing strategy of exerting sovereign control over its local internet, ensuring that criticism of the Communist Party or the government is extremely unlikely to appear online or remain for long if it does.
Conclusion
China's move raises important questions about transparency in AI use and the balance between state control and freedom of expression. While some may see the move as a necessary step to combat disinformation and misleading content, others may interpret it as a form of censorship and a restriction of freedom.
