OpenAI is assessing claims that its AI models have been utilized in the DeepSeek platform.

ChatGPT's creator has noted that Chinese startups frequently leverage its technology to develop competing products.

OpenAI has warned that Chinese startups are repetitively utilizing its technology to build rival chatbots.

OpenAI and Microsoft are investigating allegations that proprietary tech was copied using "distillation" and potentially misused by the rival DeepSeek.

The surging popularity of DeepSeek's chatbot on Monday sent shockwaves through the market, erasing a staggering $1 trillion from the value of AI-related US tech stocks. The market disruption stemmed from DeepSeek's assertion that its AI model was developed at a significantly lower cost and with less infrastructure than those used by competitors like OpenAI and Google.

Initially, Sam Altman praised DeepSeek, finding it invigorating to have a new competitor.

Following that, OpenAI disclosed evidence of 'distillation', a technique where smaller models leverage larger models to augment their performance.

Chinese groups are reportedly exploring AI replication techniques, including "distillation", to recreate advanced US AI models.

OpenAI is investigating DeepSeek's alleged unauthorized utilization of such models. We employ concerted and vigilant efforts to safeguard our tech and collaborate closely with the US government to shield high-profile models from misuse.

The irony is not lost on us: having ourselves faced scrutiny over unauthorized use of copyrighted material for training our AI models, we're now setting boundaries against those attempting to steal from us.

David Sacks, Trump's tech advisor, suggested the possibility of intellectual property theft by DeepSeek.

He described this theft as extracting knowledge from OpenAI's models through a distillation process. AI pioneers will likely implement safeguards to curb model theft in the near future. Implementing such measures may curb advancements in identical AI replicas.

The US Navy has prohibited its personnel from using DeepSeek after citing "national security and ethical" risks.

The White House is investigating the implications of the AI app on national security, as stated by press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

A recent launch marked a pivotal moment for Silicon Valley's AI ambitions, sparking a critical reckoning in the global AI competition.

A joint inquiry by OpenAI and Microsoft into AI distillation had previously been unearthed by Bloomberg's reporting. Microsoft remained mum on the matter.