According to reports in local media, OpenAI may start restricting access to its software for developers in China starting from July.

Screenshots posted on social media by some publications, including the Securities Times, show that the Microsoft-backed startup has sent notifications to developers in various locations, warning them about the upcoming move.

In China, local players such as Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Tencent Holdings Ltd.-backed Zhipu AI have announced incentives to encourage developers to switch to their products.

OpenAI recently disclosed that it had shut down at least five covert influence operations, saying that these were using its products to manipulate public opinion.

This move by OpenAI coincides with increased pressure from Washington to restrict China’s access to advanced AI technology.

Although OpenAI is not officially available in the country, many developers access the application through virtual private networks and other methods.