China’s cybersecurity regulator is seeking answers from many of country’s top tech companies about how to tackle a growing threat from fake multimedia content and strengthen the security management of internet services.
In a translated statement, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said it raised concerns about the dangers of deepfakes running on content platforms in the country and discussed ways to improve risk prevention.
Alibaba, Baidu, ByteDance, Tencent and Xiaomi were among 11 companies attending the meeting.
As a next step, CAC said it will advise local cybersecurity and information departments, and public security agencies to increase inspections, and urge local internet companies to abide by relevant regulations.
Deepfakes are created using AI and machine learning technology to make realistic copies of video and audio content.
Domestic tech companies have faced tougher scrutiny of their privacy, security and market power since November 2020, when authorities suspended a planned dual listing on the Shanghai and Hong Kong exchanges of Alibaba’s financial arm Ant Group.
