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U.S. State Department orders global warning about alleged AI thefts by DeepSeek, other Chinese firms
A diplomatic cable seen by Reuters shows the U.S. State Department has ordered a global push to highlight what it says are widespread efforts by Chinese firms, including DeepSeek, to steal intellectual property from U.S. AI labs. The cable calls on diplomatic staff to discuss concerns over extraction and distillation of U.S. AI models with foreign counterparts.
Why It Matters
If accurate, the move signals heightened emphasis on protecting AI IP in international diplomacy and could influence tech policy and cross-border collaboration.
Timeline
2 Events
State Department launches global push to highlight alleged AI IP theft
April 27, 2026
Reuters reports that the U.S. State Department has ordered a global push to bring attention to what it says are widespread efforts by Chinese companies, including DeepSeek, to steal intellectual property from U.S. AI labs, based on the diplomatic cable seen by Reuters.
Diplomatic cable dated April 24, 2026 instructs staff to discuss AI IP concerns
April 24, 2026
A diplomatic cable dated Friday, April 24, 2026, and seen by Reuters, was sent to diplomatic and consular posts around the world. The cable discusses concerns about Chinese firms, including AI startup DeepSeek, allegedly stealing intellectual property from U.S. AI labs and instructs staff to speak with foreign counterparts about extraction and distillation of U.S. AI models.