On July 9, 2024, OpenAI blocked access from China, restricting Chinese users from using their AI services. However, Chinese users can still access OpenAI’s AI models through Microsoft’s cloud computing service, Azure China. This loophole allows Chinese companies to continue utilizing OpenAI technology despite the ban.
Microsoft maintains a strong partnership with OpenAI and offers the Azure OpenAI Service, enabling users to access OpenAI and Meta AI models on Azure. By collaborating with Chinese company 21Vianet, Microsoft has developed Azure services specifically for the Chinese market, which includes the provision of OpenAI AI models. This collaboration has allowed Chinese users to seamlessly transition to Azure and continue using OpenAI AI models.
When OpenAI informed Chinese users about the access block, Microsoft’s Chinese subsidiary encouraged them to migrate to Azure through its official WeChat account. This strategic move by Microsoft ensures that Chinese users can still benefit from OpenAI’s advanced AI technology, despite the restrictions imposed by OpenAI.
Overall, the partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI has provided a solution for Chinese users to overcome the access block and continue utilizing OpenAI’s AI models through Azure China. This development showcases the importance of international cooperation in the field of AI technology and highlights the significance of cloud computing services in facilitating global accessibility to advanced AI capabilities.
Article Source
https://gigazine.net/gsc_news/en/20240710-openai-china-microsoft-azure/