China summons tech companies to discuss deep fake technology: Report

Chinese cyberspace agency on Thursday held a meeting with 11 tech companies to discuss “internet security”, including deep fakes and or sensitive technologies. According to Associated Press, meeting was attended by some of big names in China’s technology sector, such as Alibaba, Tencent, TikTok, and Xiaomi. During meeting, Cyberspace ministration of China (CAC), reportedly asked companies to inform about any new technology that holds potential to mobilize people. 

China stepped-up scrutiny of internet-based companies in country in recent past, raising concerns about increasing monopolistic behaviour. According to Bloomberg, Chinese President Xi Jinping has asked regulators to keep monitoring  online sphere and find ways to improve competition amongst firms. Several companies were slapped with fines for flouting monopoly rules after Xi Jinping's order. 

However, an AP report suggests that latest meeting was held to conduct a security assessment of deepfake technology and voice software that authorities fear could le to mobilisation of society if used irresponsibly. Deep fake technology is used all over world, where creators replace an existing person in an image or video with someone else. technology uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to create original-looking products. 

China's Alibaba crackdown

Last year, Chinese authorities stopped Alibaba's Ant Group from making one of biggest IPO debuts in world allegedly after founder Jack Ma criticised Beijing's economic policy. It is said $37 billion dual listings of Ant Group in Shanghai and Hong Kong markets were suspended after months of shoulder-rubbing between Chinese regulators and top executives of Ant Group. Wall Street Journal, in a report, h claimed  suspension order may have directly come from Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, Chinese authorities said  listings were suspended because of changes in China's financial regulations related to online lending, primary business of Alipay's parent company.