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China eyes at least 50 sets of AI standards by 2026, from chips to applications and safety

  • A new draft policy from Beijing proposes standards covering AI safety, governance, applications, computing systems, large language models and chips

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Beyond domestic regulation, China will also take part in establishing international artificial intelligence standards. Photo: Shutterstock
Ben Jiangin Beijing
China is seeking to establish least 50 sets of artificial intelligence (AI) standards by 2026, according to a new draft policy from Beijing, as the mainland pushes to close the gap with the United States in developing this technology.
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The proposed standards will include those that pertain to the training of large language models (LLMs) – the technology underpinning generative AI services like ChatGPT – as well as safety, governance, industrial applications, software, computing systems, data centres, and the technical requirements and testing methodologies for semiconductors.
At least 1,000 Chinese technology companies are expected to be covered by those standards, according to the document published on Tuesday by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The document also maintained that China will take part in establishing at least 20 international AI standards.
The MIIT’s standardisation initiative echoes the China-led resolution in the United Nations, which calls on the international community to create a “free, open, inclusive and non-discriminatory” business environment among wealthy and developing nations for AI development. This resolution on Monday was unanimously adopted in the UN General Assembly.
By establishing standards for the fast-growing artificial-intelligence sector, China is looking to close the gap with the United States in developing the technology and broadly adopting it to raise the efficiency in various industries. Photo: Shutterstock
By establishing standards for the fast-growing artificial-intelligence sector, China is looking to close the gap with the United States in developing the technology and broadly adopting it to raise the efficiency in various industries. Photo: Shutterstock

“AI is the foundational and strategic technology driving the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation,” the draft policy said. By accelerating AI’s integration within the country’s economy, the MIIT said this would “profoundly change industrial production and economic-development patterns”.

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