China’s top court posts guidelines on deepfakes, voice cloning, algorithmic price discrimination

China's highest court has issued guidelines on Monday addressing emerging issues related to artificial intelligence, including unauthorized deepfakes, voice cloning, and algorithmic price discrimination, state media reported. The Supreme People's Court in Beijing, the country's top judicial body, provided judicial guidance for AI-related disputes, a sector of growing importance as China competes with the United States in the technology field.

The guidelines clarify that individuals cannot create or distribute recognizable digital replicas of others using AI without consent, including cloned faces and voices. Other disputes covered by the guidelines include algorithmic price discrimination and AI-generated false information. Chinese authorities have invested significantly in domestic AI technology, aiming to bolster the nation's position in the crucial sector.

However, President Xi Jinping has cautioned about potential dangers, urging attendees of a conference in July to "strengthen risk-awareness and ensure that AI is secure and controllable." Under the new rules, service providers could face legal liability if they fail to take prompt action upon being notified that their systems have generated content infringing on others' rights.

The guidelines also aim to offer legal recourse for individuals whose faces have been digitally altered and used to spread false and defamatory sexual claims. Vice President Tao Kaiyuan of the court emphasized that the guidelines strive to balance development and security in AI-related matters. They aim to clarify procedural rules in AI disputes, leaving room for further clarification as consensus on certain issues proves difficult to reach.