https://www.newsweek.com/openai-warns-deepseek-distilled-ai-models-reports-2022802
OpenAI has accused Chinese AI startup DeepSeek of using its proprietary models to train an open-source competitor, raising concerns over potential intellectual property violations.
The Financial Times reported that OpenAI found evidence of "distillation," a technique that enhances smaller models by leveraging outputs from larger, more advanced ones. OpenAI suspects DeepSeek employed this method to replicate its technology at a lower cost, further intensifying scrutiny over AI model security and competitive ethics.
Newsweek has reached out to both OpenAI and DeepSeek for comment via email.
Why It Matters
The case highlights growing concerns over AI intellectual property theft and the risks posed by foreign firms leveraging U.S.-developed technology. If OpenAI's allegations are substantiated, it could lead to significant regulatory and national security implications for AI research and development.
What to Know
OpenAI and Microsoft are scrutinizing whether DeepSeek used OpenAI's API (Application Programming Interface) to integrate its models into DeepSeek's AI systems, Bloomberg reported.
Microsoft's security researchers reportedly detected data exfiltration through OpenAI developer accounts linked to DeepSeek in late 2024.
OpenAI's Own History Under Scrutiny
The allegations have some historical significance as OpenAI itself previously trained its models using vast amounts of online data without explicit consent. OpenAI was sued last year by an Italian privacy watchdog for over $15 million following an investigation into the collection of personal data by ChatGPT.
Now, the company is positioning itself as a defender of intellectual property in AI development. OpenAI has not publicly disclosed details of the evidence it gathered against DeepSeek.
What People Are Saying
David Sacks, President Donald Trump's artificial intelligence czar: "There's substantial evidence that what DeepSeek did here is they distilled knowledge out of OpenAI models and I don't think OpenAI is very happy about this."
OpenAI statement: "We know PRC (China) based companies— and others— are constantly trying to distill the models of leading U.S. AI companies." The company emphasized its commitment to countering such risks and collaborating with the U.S. government to protect its technology.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: U.S. officials are evaluating the national security implications of DeepSeek's emergence. "I spoke with [the National Security Council] this morning, they are looking into what [the national security implications] may be."
What Happens Next
The U.S. government may intervene if evidence of IP theft emerges. Meanwhile, OpenAI and Microsoft are expected to continue their investigation, potentially leading to legal or regulatory actions against DeepSeek.
