DeepSeek, MiniMax secure open-source licences days after new China export rules: state media

Days after China introduced new measures to oversee AI tech transfers, including immediate registration for covered technologies, DeepSeek and MiniMax completed these procedures. Both companies have since proceeded with open-source releases and overseas licensing. Open-source releases involve making the underlying code or 'weights' of an AI model publicly available, allowing others to inspect, use, and build upon it.

The new regulations had initially raised questions about potential restrictions on Chinese AI companies expanding internationally, especially given the international adoption of Chinese open-weight models. However, state media outlet CCTV clarified that the proposed measures are intended to establish clearer regulatory boundaries rather than to prohibit Chinese AI tech exports.

The prompt compliance by DeepSeek and MiniMax, coupled with the state media's explanation, suggests these new rules may serve as a framework for formalizing and regulating, rather than blocking, the international expansion of Chinese AI technologies. This indicates an intent to manage overseas engagement through official channels, potentially providing a clearer path for companies to operate globally within defined parameters.