Microsoft and OpenAI are jointly investigating reports of unauthorized data extraction involving OpenAI’s technology by a group linked to the Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, according to Bloomberg.
Microsoft’s security researchers reportedly detected suspicious activity last fall, where individuals allegedly associated with DeepSeek exfiltrated significant amounts of data using OpenAI’s application programming interface (API). The API serves as a critical tool for developers and businesses to access OpenAI’s services.
Key Insights:
- Unauthorized Access: DeepSeek-linked individuals reportedly misused OpenAI’s API to obtain large volumes of data.
- Microsoft’s Role: As a key backer of OpenAI, Microsoft flagged the suspicious activities to the ChatGPT developer.
- DeepSeek’s Rise: The Chinese startup, a cost-effective alternative to U.S.-based AI solutions, recently surpassed OpenAI’s ChatGPT as the top AI app on Apple’s App Store in the United States.
Both Microsoft and OpenAI have not commented publicly on the matter, and DeepSeek was unavailable for immediate response.
This development comes amid growing concerns about securing cutting-edge AI technologies, as OpenAI collaborates with the U.S. government to ensure its platforms remain safeguarded from misuse.