ByteDance’s AI Model Sparks Controversy Over Propaganda Concerns

New updates have been reported about ByteDance (PC:BYTDC)

ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, finds itself at the center of a controversy involving its large language model (LLM), Doubao, which has been accused of disseminating Chinese government propaganda. The issue arose when Boox, an e-reader developed by Onyx International, integrated ByteDance’s Doubao API into its AI assistant feature. This integration led to the AI assistant providing responses that aligned with Chinese government narratives, particularly on sensitive topics such as the Tiananmen Square incident and the roles of North Korea and Russia in global affairs. These responses sparked significant backlash from users, especially in the U.S., where the e-reader is also sold.

ByteDance clarified that Doubao is intended for use solely within mainland China, highlighting a potential breach of intended usage by Onyx International. The incident underscores the broader risks associated with deploying Chinese generative AI models in international markets, where differing cultural and political contexts can lead to unintended consequences. The uproar has since subsided following reports that Boox reverted to using OpenAI’s GPT-3 via Microsoft Azure, although the current status of the AI assistant’s underlying model remains unclear. This situation serves as a cautionary tale for companies considering the integration of Chinese AI technologies, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of geopolitical implications and cultural sensitivities.