Microsoft is investigating DeepSeek over a suspected data breach involving OpenAI

Microsoft has initiated an internal investigation to find out if a group associated with the Chinese AI startup DeepSeek improperly accessed OpenAI’s proprietary data, according to sources familiar with the situation. Security researchers at Microsoft reportedly noticed unusual data extraction activities in late 2024, involving individuals believed to be linked to DeepSeek.

This activity allegedly included the use of OpenAI’s application programming interface (API) to extract large volumes of data, raising alarms about possible intellectual property infringements. OpenAI, which has a close partnership with Microsoft, is collaborating with the tech giant’s security team to determine if any of its advanced AI models or training data were compromised. If confirmed, the breach could further complicate relations between the U.S. and China in the fiercely competitive AI landscape.

This investigation comes as DeepSeek faces increasing scrutiny, having also been examined by Italy’s data protection authority regarding its user data practices. U.S. officials have voiced growing concerns about Chinese AI companies potentially gaining access to sensitive information and technology from American firms. While Microsoft and OpenAI have not officially commented on the specifics of the investigation, insiders indicate that the findings could shape future policies on AI security and international collaborations in the industry.

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