Apple removes over 100 ChatGPT-like apps from China's App Store.
In light of new Chinese regulations on artificial intelligence, Apple has removed artificial intelligence apps from the local App Store, including recently released high-profile titles.
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Apple previously removed about 30,000 games from China's App Store, then another 94,000, and then 44,000 that China said didn't have the proper licenses. Now it's targeting a much smaller number, but all in one important category.
According to the South China Morning Post, more than 100 apps that included artificial intelligence services like ChatGPT were removed on Tuesday. In a note to developers seen by the newspaper, Apple said the apps “include content that is illegal in China.”
According to reports, the apps included one called Spark, which had an official release on the Chinese App Store on June 29, 2023. Also removed was ChatGAi Plus, an AI-based chatbot and translation server, which was ranked 9th on the paid apps chart.
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Developers are also being told that the content falls under stricter regulations regarding deep synthesis and generative AI technologies. The new regulations are reportedly set to go into effect in China in two weeks.
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Apple has long been criticized for bowing to pressure from Chinese authorities . Following the most recent app purges , Apple said it would provide greater transparency about the reasons for removing apps from the App Store.
Information source: appleinsider.com
