The conflict between China and the US rages on, and the latter has implemented several measures to reduce the risk of any national security issues. Whether or not OpenAI is joining the cause, the AI company is now actively blocking users from China.

OpenAI is Blocking Users in China

It's no secret that the US is trying its best to keep China from getting information, and one of the ways it has done this is by restricting China-based products like vehicles and apps. Take TikTok, for instance, which is still fighting the legal fight to remain operational in the US.

For the sake of being careful on both ends, Washington is also pressuring US-based tech companies to limit China's access to its technologies, and while not explicitly mentioned, this might be the reason behind OpenAI's announcement, as per Engadget. 

OpenAI's services are not available in China in the first place, but the company has never done anything to block those who found ways to access it regardless. This time around, the OpenAI will start blocking users from China who are accessing it via the company's API.

Users in China have already received emails regarding the matter, wherein the restriction will take hold by July 9th. An OpenAI spokesperson also said: "We are taking additional taps to block API traffic from regions where we do not support access to OpenAI's services."

There's another possible reason behind the change. Just last month, the company said that it stopped covert influence operations, one of which was linked to China, and that it was using OpenAI's AI models to spread misinformation. 

The company might finally be taking active states because of one or the other, or both. It's no longer a surprise seeing as the tension between the two countries seems to be growing, especially with the extra measures that the US has been implementing. 

Read Also: How to Limit OpenAI from Collecting Personal Data on ChatGPT?

US Block on China-Based Products

Perhaps the most anticipated news regarding his conflict is the TikTok ban, where people are just waiting to hear whether the social media company will really be banned nationwide or if the company will be able to fight the newly passed law.

The US government has always been vigilant when it comes to the app with allegations of the company collecting US user data for the Chinese government. The social media company responded to the ban saying that it violates the First Amendment.

It's also hard to ignore that it would affect many businesses that are either tied to TikTok or conduct operations within the app. Oracle, for instance, said that the ban on TikTok could hurt its business, as reported by Tech Radar, adding that "revenues and profits would be adversely impacted."

TikTok is not the only one affected. It seems that the US is also becoming more strict with Chinese EVs coming into the US, saying that with EVs having smart systems, they could easily spy on and monitor their drivers since the vehicle is capable of connecting to the internet. 

Related: OpenAI Removes Access to Users Operating AI Political Candidates