Chinese AI Firms Attract OpenAI Users as US Company Plans API Restrictions
OpenAI intends to limit API access in China and certain regions. In order to entice OpenAI users, Chinese AI businesses are giving alternative platforms and incentives. Baidu's Ernie platform provides free migration and more tokens.
According to the Chinese state-owned tabloid Securities Times, OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, intends to restrict access to its technology for organisations in China and select other locations.
Although ChatGPT is currently unavailable in mainland China, the Securities Times claimed that numerous Chinese businesses have been able to construct their own applications using OpenAI's API platform. In reaction to the forthcoming restrictions, OpenAI has said that they will take additional steps to prohibit API communication from locations where their services are not available.
Chinese AI developers are not wasting time in presenting alternatives to OpenAI. Baidu, China's largest AI developer, has announced a "inclusive programme" that will provide free migration to their Ernie platform to new users. Furthermore, Baidu's cloud business will supply OpenAI users with additional Ernie 3.5 flagship model tokens to match the size of their OpenAI usage.
Alibaba Cloud has also joined the competition, providing free tokens and migration services to OpenAI API customers via its AI platform. The company's Qwen-plus model costs much less than OpenAI's GPT-4.
Zhipu AI, another significant leader in China's AI business, has launched a "Special Migration Programme" for OpenAI API customers. The company says that their GLM model completely compares to OpenAI's product ecosystem, emphasising the security and controllability of its entirely self-developed technology.
Over the last year, multiple Chinese companies have created chatbots based on their own AI models, demonstrating China's AI sector's tremendous growth and innovation.
OpenAI plans to restrict API access in China and select regions.
Chinese AI companies are offering alternative platforms and incentives to attract OpenAI users.
Baidu's Ernie platform offers free migration and additional tokens.
Source: REUTERS