China Releases Strong Guidelines for Use of AI in Research

China has published new guidelines on using generative AI in scientific research, including a ban on the “direct” use of the technology when applying for research funding and approval. These guidelines, applying to researchers across scientific institutions, higher education establishments, medical institutions, and enterprises, mark a significant step in shaping ethical practices in AI-driven research.

Addressing Emerging Challenges

The backdrop for these guidelines lies in the rapid development of AI, presenting new challenges in research data processing and intellectual property rights. As AI’s role becomes increasingly prevalent in various fields, establishing ethical boundaries is crucial to maintain the integrity and authenticity of research outcomes.

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Scope of the Guidelines

The guidelines, encompassing a broad spectrum of research entities, mandate stringent measures to ensure responsible use of generative AI. Notably, researchers are explicitly prohibited from utilizing AI to directly generate declaration materials for their research or listing AI as a co-author of research results. This move emphasizes the significance of human-centric contributions in the research domain.

Transparency as a Cornerstone

One of the pivotal aspects of the guidelines is the insistence on transparency. All AI-generated content is required to bear clear labels, accompanied by detailed information on the content’s generation process. This transparency initiative is a decisive step towards demystifying the origin of content, fostering accountability, and ensuring the accuracy of AI-influenced research outcomes.

Insights from Legal Experts

Zhang Xin, Director of the Digital Economy and Legal Innovation Research Center at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, views these guidelines as instrumental in promoting responsible AI use in scientific research. By mandating clear labeling and disclosure, the guidelines foster a culture of accountability among researchers, aligning AI practices with ethical standards.

Past Actions to regulate the Use of AI in Academia

China’s initiative echoes global efforts to establish ethical norms in the integration of AI in research. In September, the Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China collaborated with prominent academic publishers Elsevier, Springer Nature, and John Wiley & Sons to release guidelines on AI-generated content in academic papers, emphasizing the need for clear labeling.

To underscore the gravity of AI ethics in academia, Chinese authorities introduced an updated draft law on academic degrees in August. The draft specified that students caught using AI to write dissertations could face severe consequences, including the revocation of their degrees.

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Pioneering Regulation in Generative AI

China continues to be at the forefront of AI regulation. In April 2023, the Cyberspace Administration of China became the first in the world to unveil specific rules for generative AI, setting a precedent for responsible AI practices.

Our Say

China’s latest guidelines represent a crucial stride towards ethical AI integration in research, setting the stage for global discourse on responsible AI practices in academia and beyond. As AI continues to evolve, establishing robust ethical frameworks becomes imperative, ensuring that technological advancements align with ethical standards and human values.

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