China permits DeepSeek AI exports after new restrictions

China proposed restrictions on exporting certain AI technologies in mid-October, requiring companies to apply for a license. The revised list included 23 technologies related to large-scale models, intelligent agents, computing clusters, and information processing. Tech issued under open source licenses is exempt from these rules. The expanded catalogue allows Beijing to stop exports of AI tools representing important sovereign capacity, such as potent bug-finders or those with military uses.

Chinese state media reported that two companies received authorization to continue AI exports last Friday. DeepSeek and MiniMax are considered credible challengers to American AI vendors. The USA has imposed on-again, off-again bans on sales of advanced GPUs to China.

In other technology news, Australian datacenter company Firmus called off its initial public offering on October 9. The company operates four datacenters and plans several more, with Meta committed to spending over $700 million. Private investors had already invested over $2 billion into Firmus before it cancelled its IPO. The planned IPO would have been Australia's largest for 20 years, aiming to raise around $5 billion and valuing the company at over $40 billion. Firmus cancelled its IPO after investor sentiment soured and potential buyers asked the company to lower its share price by perhaps a quarter due to fears of optimistic revenue predictions. One of Firmus' founders did time after being convicted of insider trading.

On Wednesday, Australian datacenter operator NEXTDC announced reduced revenue forecasts because its power supplier suspended work due to community and stakeholder opposition. Protestors blocked access to a site where NEXTDC intends to expand, and the local council decided not to allow the power company to use relevant roads while consultation continues. NEXTDC slashed its revenue forecast and saw its share price slump almost 40 percent, telling investors it will be at least February before its power supplier can resume work.

Singapore-based Grab suggested that data from its app could help detect disease outbreaks by analyzing changes in demand for symptom-related products. South Korea's science minister Bae Kyung-hoon promised to accelerate development of regulation governing smart glasses to address unauthorized filming and misuse during academic exams.