AI Governance in China: A Multifaceted Approach
LONDON — Recent research challenges the prevailing notion that Beijing’s artificial intelligence (AI) controls are solely a product of its authoritarian regime. According to new findings, traditional Chinese values and commercial interests also play significant roles in the self-regulatory frameworks shaping AI governance.
Challenging Stereotypes
Xuechen Chen, an associate professor in politics and international relations, asserts that the view of AI governance as a strictly top-down system fails to capture the complexities involved. Rather than merely following orders from the state, various stakeholders, including the private sector and society at large, actively participate in establishing norms and regulatory mechanisms.
The Stakeholders
In the governance debate, three main players emerge:
- The State: The national government oversees the overall regulatory framework.
- The Private Sector: Companies like TikTok’s owner ByteDance and DeepSeek are pivotal in shaping AI applications and policies.
- Society: Public opinion and cultural norms significantly influence how AI technologies are developed and regulated.
Chen emphasizes that these stakeholders collaborate to create a more nuanced approach to governance, which is not simply dictated by the state.
Market Dynamics and Innovation
According to a study by Tech Buzz China and Unique Research, 23 of the 100 largest AI products globally by annual recurring revenue originate from Chinese developers, with many aimed at overseas markets. Notably, the four largest Chinese firms — Glority, Plaud, ByteDance, and Zuoyebang — generated an impressive $447 million collectively, although this still lags behind major U.S. players like OpenAI and Anthropic, which boast revenues of around $17 billion and $7 billion, respectively.
Regulatory Landscape
While China lacks formalized AI legislation akin to the European Union’s AI Act, it adheres to a more market-led regulatory model. The Cyberspace Administration of China, the nation’s internet regulator, leads AI governance efforts. Recently, the agency has bolstered its campaign against “negative” content, threatening strict penalties for social media platforms that fail to comply.
Self-Regulation Among AI Developers
Despite the absence of comprehensive AI legislation, Chinese AI developers have proactively sought to self-regulate. This initiative stems from two main motivations:
- Compliance: Companies wish to avoid conflicts with stringent government censorship laws.
- Market Forces: Cultural norms, particularly Confucian values emphasizing family hierarchy, drive companies to regulate content proactively to maintain consumer trust.
For instance, DeepSeek, China’s counterpart to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, avoids responding to prompts critical of the government, reflecting both compliance and market-driven strategies.
Protecting Minors and Contemporary Concerns
China has established one of the most rigorous systems for protecting minors in cyberspace. Recent updates to the Minors Protection Law impose restrictions on online activity for young users, limiting their screen time and mandating child-friendly modes on smartphones. These measures reflect societal concerns and cultural values that prioritize the well-being of youth.
Conclusion
While the role of non-state actors in an authoritarian context remains a subject for further research, the findings underscore that various stakeholders contribute actively to shaping the regulations and standards governing AI in China. This collaborative effort highlights a more intricate governance model than the typically assumed top-down approach.
