After threatening AI export bans, China allows DeepSeek to keep selling

China's Ministry of Commerce issued export restrictions on certain AI technologies in mid-October, revising its export catalogue. This came shortly after a proposal to ban the export of some AI technologies. The new rules apply to 23 technologies related to large-scale models, intelligent agents, computing clusters, and information processing.

Open-source software is exempt from these restrictions. Recently, two companies - DeepSeek and MiniMax - received authorization to continue exporting their products. Both companies pose a challenge to American AI vendors, and allowing them to sell abroad aligns with China's goals of developing export industries and strengthening its tech sector.

Beijing also retains the power to halt exports of any AI technology deemed to hold significant sovereign capacity, including tools with potential military applications. This move follows recent instances in Australia where datacenter construction has faced hurdles. Firmus, a datacenter company, cancelled its IPO due to investor concerns about optimistic revenue predictions.

NEXTDC, a well-established datacenter operator, revised its revenue forecasts after its power supplier halted work due to community opposition. South Korea's science minister announced plans to accelerate the development of regulations for smart glasses, aiming to curb unauthorized filming and misuse in sensitive areas like academic exams.