Provisions on the Administration of Deep Synthesis of Internet-based Information Services

As part of the Chinese government's efforts to strengthen the supervision of deep synthesis technology and services, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), and the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) jointly issued the Provisions on the Administration of Deep Synthesis of Internet-based Information Services (the Deep Synthesis Provisions), in November 2022. The provisions came into effect on January 10, 2023. 

Comprising 25 articles across five chapters, the document clarifies regulations regarding handling deep synthesis data and technologies. It emphasizes the importance of compliance with laws and regulations in various crucial areas for providers of deep synthesis services and supporters of the technology.

Scope of China's Deep Synthesis Provisions

The CAC describes deep synthesis technology as "technologies that use generative sequencing algorithms, such as deep learning and virtual reality, to create text, images, audio, video, virtual scenes, or other information." Those technologies include, but are not limited to, technologies for generating or editing the following:

These include, but are not limited to:

• Techniques for creating or altering text: such as text generation, text style conversion, and Q&A generation.
• Technologies for generating or modifying voice content, such as text-to-speech and voice attribute conversion
• Approaches for developing or modifying non-speech content, such as music
• Approaches for developing or altering biometric features in images and video content, such as face generation, face replacement, or gesture manipulation.
• 3D reconstruction, digital simulation, and other technologies for creating or altering 3D models.

‍What is 'Deepfake' or Deep synthesis technology?

Deep synthesis technology, often referred to as "deepfake," is a blend of "deep learning" and "fake." It utilizes advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques to manipulate or generate visual and audio content, leading to the creation of deceptive or "fake" material.

In practical terms, this technology is commonly applied to synthetic media, where an individual in an existing image or video is substituted with someone else's likeness. The process involves sophisticated algorithms and models that can convincingly alter the appearance and voice of the targeted person, creating content that may be misleading or appear authentic.

References:

• China to Regulate Deep Synthesis (Deepfake) Technology Starting 2023: https://www.china-briefing.com/news/china-to-regulate-deep-synthesis-deep-fake-technology-starting-january 
• China: Provisions on Deep Synthesis Technology Enter into Effect: https://www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2023-04-25/china-provisions-on-deep-synthesis-technology-enter-into-effect/ 

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