Four Chinese firms launch their own ChatGPTs

2023-08-31 11:28:00, Tech CNA

Four Chinese tech firms, including tech giant Baidu Inc and SenseTime Group, launched their artificial intelligence chatbots to the public on Thursday after receiving government approval, with the Chinese government pushing to increase the use of such products. in competition against the United States.

Baidu said in a press release that its ChatGPT-type chatbot, Ernie Bot, is now fully accessible to the public. A spokesperson for SenseTime told the Reuters news agency that their chatbot, SenseChat, is now fully accessible to its users.

Also, two other artificial intelligence companies, Baichuan and Zhipu AI, announced the launch of similar chatbots on August 31.

As a result, shares of Baidu and SenseTime rose on the Hong Kong market by 3.1% and 2.7%, respectively.

Unlike other countries, China requires companies to submit security assessments and obtain permits before launching artificial intelligence products.

Chinese authorities have stepped up efforts to support companies developing artificial intelligence, as the technology is at the heart of their competition with the United States.

Chinese media reported that a total of 11 firms had sought permission from the government, including TikTok owner ByteDance and Tencent Holdings. Neither of these companies responded to Reuters for comment about their AI plans.

ChatGPT maker OpenAI, which is backed by Microsoft, is on track to generate more than $1 billion in revenue in the next 12 months, The Information reported Thursday.

The Chinese government's approval was expected after China released its rules on artificial intelligence products to the public, which took effect on August 15.

Previously, companies were only allowed to conduct small public testing of intelligence products, but with the new rules, companies have increased testing of their intelligence products.

Shawn Yang, analyst at Blue Lotus Capital Advisors, said the Government's decision to allow artificial intelligence products could strengthen the industry.

“A lot of people were running towards modeling businesses in multiple languages. But the industry can consolidate quickly. Only companies with data and technological capabilities will be able to advance", he said./REL