US investigates DeepSeek over alleged use of restricted chips
The US government is investigating whether Chinese AI company DeepSeek bypassed export restrictions to obtain advanced semiconductor chips, reportedly sourcing them through third countries like Singapore. The inquiry, involving the White House and FBI, raises concerns about potential violations of US technology export controls.
What happened
The US government has opened an investigation into Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek regarding suspicions that its developers used semiconductors subject to export restrictions.
According to Reuters and Bloomberg, the allegedly restricted chips were sourced from the United States via other countries such as Singapore to reach China.
Reported impact
DeepSeek's performance comparable to OpenAI's ChatGPT but with lower energy consumption raised US concerns about the country's technological advantage in AI.
Index analysis
The US has enforced strict measures in recent years to limit the supply of advanced chips to China, including an export ban on the latest Nvidia chips.
The White House and FBI are investigating the possible role of foreign intermediaries in obtaining this technology for DeepSeek.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.