Did DeepSeek Steal OpenAI’s Data? Microsoft Launches Investigation

Investigations into Chinese AI company DeepSeek are intensifying as Microsoft examines whether a group connected to DeepSeek has improperly accessed OpenAI’s data.

Microsoft and OpenAI are investigating whether individuals linked to China-based AI startup DeepSeek illegally obtained data generated by OpenAI's technology. According to Bloomberg News, Microsoft’s cybersecurity team observed last fall that some individuals, suspected to be connected to DeepSeek, were extracting large volumes of data using OpenAI’s API.

DeepSeek Accused of Data Theft

The OpenAI API is a crucial platform that allows developers and business customers to access OpenAI’s services, serving as a key revenue stream for the company. The report states that Microsoft, as one of OpenAI’s major investors, alerted the company about suspicious activities.

DeepSeek, a low-cost Chinese AI alternative, aims to compete with American tech giants. Last Monday, the company gained significant attention by surpassing OpenAI’s ChatGPT on the Apple App Store, causing a major shift in tech stocks .

David Sacks, the White House’s AI and cryptocurrency advisor, stated that it is “possible” that DeepSeek has stolen intellectual property from the US. He added, “There is strong evidence suggesting that DeepSeek is extracting knowledge from OpenAI ’s models.”

In response to Bloomberg’s report, an OpenAI spokesperson confirmed that Chinese companies and others are attempting to replicate leading US AI technologies but did not mention DeepSeek or any specific company by name. Microsoft declined to comment, while DeepSeek has yet to issue an official statement.