AI Governance for Africa > Part 1 > Section 8
The previous sections looked at AI governance in Europe and the United States. This section gives a brief overview of the comparative approach in China.
In July 2023, China published its “Interim Measures for the Management of Generative AI Services”, which provide a window into the country’s approach to AI regulation.[1] These measures hit many of the same topics as in the rest of world (discussed further below), although they are notable for their authoritarian slant. Thus, in addition to discussions on the need to promote fairness, transparency, and international cooperation, one finds the following clause:[2]
The provision and use of generative artificial intelligence services shall abide by laws and administrative regulations, respect social morality and ethics, and abide by the following provisions: rnrnAdhere to the core values of socialism, and must not generate incitement to subvert state power, overthrow the socialist system, endanger national security and interests, damage national image, incite secession, undermine national unity and social stability, promote terrorism, extremism…
AI governance in China is led by the Cyberspace Administration of China, although this may change as the scope of AI expands.[3] The public/private distinction is also much less clear in China, as the Chinese government plays a much more prominent role in China’s AI ecosystem.[4]
Other notable Chinese AI regulations include its 2021 Regulation on Recommendation Algorithms and its 2022 Rules for Deep Synthesis (synthetically generated content).[5]
Trends and themes
As we have seen above, there is considerable variation in how countries intend to implement their various commitments in relation to AI, and it is unclear what policy approach most other countries will take. Yet as we unpack below, across the emerging approaches there is surprisingly consensus on many of the major issues. Transparency, accountability, data protection and other principles are all regarded as important principles across these frameworks, despite enormous differences in the regulatory cultures in each jurisdiction.
References
[1] Cyberspace Administration of China “Interim Measures for the Management of Generative Artificial Intelligence Services” (July 2023).
[2] Ibid, at article 4(1).
[3] M Sheehan “China’s AI Regulations and How They Get Made” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (July 2023).
[4] J Ding and J Xiao “Recent Trends in China’s Large Language Model Landscape” Centre for the Governance of AI(April 2023) at 3.
[5] M Sheehan “China’s AI Regulations and How They Get Made” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (July 2023) at 4
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Part 2: Emerging AI Governance in Africa
Part 2 examines existing and emerging AI governance instruments in Southern Africa – in particular, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. More broadly, it also outlines continental responses and details existing governing measures in Africa.
Part 3: Advocacy Strategies for AI Governance
Part 3 explores a series of key questions for the design of advocacy strategies on AI governance, particularly in African contexts.
