Baidu among first to win China approval for AI models

China will approve the first batch of generative artificial intelligence services for public rollout as soon as this week, freeing up homegrown technology champions including Baidu Inc. to openly compete with the likes of OpenAI Inc. and Microsoft Corp.

The Cyberspace Administration of China will soon give the greenlight to a handful of firms including fledgling players and major technology names, people familiar with the matter said. Search leader Baidu is expected to be among the first to win approval from Beijing’s top internet watchdog, according to one of the people, who asked not to be identified because the information isn’t public.