China Moves Blockchain and Generative AI Filings to One Portal

China’s internet regulator consolidated blockchain, generative AI, algorithm and deep-synthesis filings in one portal Monday, Nov. 9. In Shanghai, virtual-currency issuance or trading, ICO-related business, overseas servers and incomplete ICP filings can affect applications.

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) opened the Internet New Technologies and Applications Information Service Filing System. It covers blockchain, generative AI, algorithms and deep-synthesis services, replacing the previous algorithm and blockchain filing systems, which were discontinued.

Shanghai’s blockchain filing guidance bars service names from including “virtual currency,” “exchange” or “ICO.” It identifies virtual-currency issuance or trading, initial coin offering (ICO)-related business, servers located overseas and incomplete internet content provider (ICP) filings as factors that can affect an application. Blockchain-as-a-service (BaaS) platforms also must file.

The CAC also requires registration for generative AI applications that use an application programming interface (API) to call a model already filed and offer public-facing services capable of shaping public opinion or mobilizing the public.