Apple’s AI in China to Be Censored Under Alibaba Partnership [United States]

Author: Paul Terpstra | Source: The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) | Read the full article

Apple has recently made a significant agreement with Alibaba to introduce its AI technology in China. However, this partnership comes with a major condition: Alibaba will have the authority to control and censor the AI-generated content. This means that while Apple’s AI system will still function, the information it provides will be filtered to comply with Chinese government regulations. As a result, users in China will experience a different, more restricted version of Apple’s AI compared to users in other countries.

The deal is a response to the strict internet and data control policies in China, which require companies to ensure their services align with local laws. Although Apple had considered working with other tech firms, Alibaba was chosen as the main partner. This partnership will limit the AI features available to iPhone users in China, as they will not have access to global data and services like ChatGPT. Instead, they will receive responses that are tailored to fit government-approved information.

While this move allows Apple to continue selling its products in China, it raises concerns about user privacy and the potential for future government influence on Apple’s AI services worldwide. The company plans to launch this AI technology in China by mid-2025, but it will only be available on iPhones purchased within the country, leaving devices bought elsewhere without the Alibaba-controlled AI features.

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