China has slammed ChatGPT, the AI-driven chatbot by Microsoft-owned OpenAI that has become a rage, saying it is spreading US government "misinformation" and directing Internet companies not to use it in their applications, the media reported on Wednesday. Chinese regulators told Tencent and Ant Group, the fintech affiliate of Alibaba Group, not to offer ChatGPT services to the public, reports Nikkei Asia.

There is a "growing alarm in Beijing over the AI-powered chatbot's uncensored replies to user queries". Tencent and Ant Group have been instructed not to utilise ChatGPT "either directly or via third parties", said the report, citing sources. Beijing's clampdown on ChatGPT came as little surprise to many in China's tech industry, the report said.