China Approves 487 Deepfake Algorithms From The Likes Of Baidu, Alibaba And Tencent

Alibaba, owner of the South China Morning Post, registered an algorithm to assist with creating documents in its enterprise collaboration tool DingTalk, and a multimodal algorithm designed for corporate clients to generate images and video, which was developed by its research arm Damo Academy.

The efforts are in compliance with the Administrative Provisions on Deep Synthesis for Internet Information Services, which regulates so-called deepfake technologies that use deep learning and augmented reality to generate text, images, audio and video, or to create virtual scenes that mimic people and things in real life. Failure to register an algorithm with the CAC could result in removal from domestic app stores.

The CAC has published six other whitelists, which until this month had been growing longer with each subsequent list. The batch of 492 in June was the largest so far, while the April and February groups included 394 and 266 algorithms, respectively. The first list in June 2023 had just 41.

Cai Peng, partner at Beijing-based Zhong Lun Law Firm, said the growing size of the lists reflects a “clearer” work flow between the regulator and applicants.

The roughly two-month process involves filing and polishing application documents upon the CAC’s request. “It seems that the regulator has established a more efficient process to work with the applicants,” he said.