Baidu, SenseTime, Baichuan open AI products to the public
Chinese media say 11 firms have received government approval
Approvals anticipated after Beijing passed generative AI rules
Shares in Baidu, SenseTime jump

Aug 31 Reuters Five Chinese tech firms, including Baidu Inc and SenseTime Group, on Thursday launched their artificial intelligence AI chatbots to the public after receiving government approval, as China39;s government pushes to widen the use of such products amid competition with the United States.

Baidu, China39;s leading online search provider, said in a statement that its ChatGPTlike chatbot, Ernie Bot, was now fully accessible to the public. A SenseTime spokesperson told Reuters via email that its chatbot, SenseChat, was also now fully available to serve all users.

Three AI startups, Baichuan Intelligent Technology, Zhipu AI and MiniMax, also announced similar public launches on Thursday.

Shares in Baidu and SenseTime jumped in Hong Kong trade, gaining 2.1 and 2.3 respectively in a broader market that was trading 0.55 lower.

Unlike other countries, China requires companies to submit security assessments and receive clearance before releasing massmarket AI products.

Authorities have recently accelerated efforts to support companies developing AI as the technology increasingly becomes a focus of competition with the United States.

Chinese media reported that a total of 11 firms had received approvals from the government, including TikTok owner…