• Sat, Mar 15, 2025 | Ramadan 15, 1446

OpenAI Accuses China’s DeepSeek of Using Its AI Model for Competitive Training

OpenAI Accuses China’s DeepSeek of Using Its AI Model for Competitive Training

Introduction

OpenAI has claimed that Chinese AI startup DeepSeek used its proprietary models to train its own open-source competitor. The allegations highlight growing concerns about intellectual property (IP) theft in the rapidly evolving AI industry.

Evidence of "Distillation" Found

According to OpenAI, DeepSeek employed a technique called "distillation" to extract knowledge from larger AI models and incorporate it into their own. This process allows companies to develop high-performing models at a fraction of the cost.

Violation of OpenAI's Terms of Service

OpenAI’s terms strictly prohibit users from copying its services or using its outputs to train competing models. Microsoft and OpenAI reportedly investigated DeepSeek’s accounts and blocked access to their API due to suspected violations.

DeepSeek’s Rapid Rise and Market Impact

DeepSeek’s recent AI advancements have surprised tech experts. The company used fewer resources to train models comparable to top US AI systems. The news also led to a temporary stock decline for Nvidia, raising concerns about future investments in AI hardware.

Industry Experts Weigh In

Experts note that using outputs from advanced AI models for training is common in the AI industry. Many startups and researchers rely on human-aligned AI responses to enhance their own models, making it difficult to prevent such practices.

OpenAI’s Countermeasures and Government Cooperation

OpenAI has stated that it actively engages in countermeasures to protect its intellectual property and is working closely with the US government to safeguard AI technology from adversaries.

Ongoing Copyright Challenges

While OpenAI accuses DeepSeek of IP violations, it faces its own legal challenges. Several news organizations and authors have sued OpenAI for allegedly using their content without permission to train AI models.

Conclusion

The OpenAI-DeepSeek controversy underscores the challenges of maintaining a competitive edge in AI development. As AI innovation accelerates, legal and ethical questions surrounding intellectual property and fair use will continue to shape the industry’s future.