From South China Morning Post: 2024-06-27 02:30:13

Microsoft will still allow customers in Hong Kong to use OpenAI’s AI models despite restrictions from unsupported regions such as mainland China. OpenAI announced it would block access from those regions starting July 9, citing additional measures to prevent access to its models via APIs. The move comes amid US efforts to limit China’s access to advanced AI technology for national security reasons.

OpenAI services are officially unavailable in mainland China and Hong Kong, prompting users to find ways to access popular models like ChatGPT through VPNs or proxies. The US government is seeking to restrict China’s use of computing power offered by US cloud providers for AI applications. Microsoft launched enterprise support for OpenAI models in Hong Kong last year, offering developers access to systems like ChatGPT and Codex.

Authorities in China have approved 117 home-grown large language models, with industry experts predicting OpenAI’s ban on China-based developers will drive users to domestic platforms. Zhipu AI, a top OpenAI alternative in China, announced a plan to help users switch to domestic LLMs. Other companies like Alibaba and Baidu are offering discounts and freebies to attract developers affected by OpenAI’s new measures.



Read more at South China Morning Post: Microsoft maintains AI services in Hong Kong, as OpenAI curbs API access from China