Apple removes generative AI apps from China App Store ahead of new regulations

Generative AI apps have been swiftly removed from Apple's China App Store as the country prepares to enforce new regulations on generative AI services.

The removals, which occurred two weeks ahead of the scheduled implementation of the regulations on August 15, were prompted by notices sent by Apple to Chinese developers. The notices cited "content that is illegal in China" as the reason for pulling the apps.

China recently introduced a set of measures aimed at regulating generative AI services, including those provided through APIs. Under the new rules, AI apps operating in China are required to obtain an administrative license. Apple's removal notice to developers indicated that the decision was based on the requirement for these apps to secure a license from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

Among the apps affected was OpenCat, a native ChatGPT client. Apple's message to OpenCat highlighted that ChatGPT lacked the necessary permits to operate in China and emphasized the need for compliance with the regulatory framework surrounding deep synthesis technologies (DST) and generative AI services.

Popular tech blogger @foxshuo shared screenshots on Twitter, suggesting that more than 100 AI apps had been removed from the China App Store.

China has previously introduced licensing requirements in other online sectors, such as video games. The introduction of generative AI rules is expected to have a similar impact, potentially deterring many developers, especially small independent companies, from entering the market.