OpenAI restricts access to ChatGPT in China and Hong Kong, raising geopolitical concerns

From South China Morning Post (SCMP): 2024-07-01 19:00:10

OpenAI will restrict access to ChatGPT for developers in mainland China and Hong Kong, citing “unsupported countries”. Impact in China is limited as services weren’t officially available. Local alternatives exist, with 117 approved ChatGPT-style services in China as of March. OpenAI’s move sets a dangerous precedent of restricting access based on geography.

OpenAI’s decision to exclude China and Hong Kong marks a significant departure from conventional business strategies targeting the world’s second-largest economy. Despite Nvidia’s export restrictions, companies like Apple and Qualcomm have pledged commitment to the China market. OpenAI’s move appears more geopolitical, following US efforts to curb China’s AI growth.

In Hong Kong, Microsoft assures continued access to OpenAI models through Azure. OpenAI’s move seems driven by geopolitics rather than business strategy. The decision may align with US efforts to hinder China’s AI development, as Washington’s geopolitical agenda influences decisions in Silicon Valley. China faces a world with limited access to US AI resources.



Read more at South China Morning Post (SCMP): Opinion | OpenAI’s move to restrict access to mainland China, Hong Kong a worrying sign