Former Google Software Engineer Charged with Stealing A.I. Technology for China
A former Google software engineer, Linwei Ding, has been charged with attempting to transfer artificial intelligence technology to a Beijing-based company in exchange for secret payments. Ding, part of the team behind Google’s A.I. supercomputer data system, is accused of stealing information about the system’s architecture and functionality, as well as pilfering software used for machine learning and A.I. technology.
According to the federal indictment, Ding uploaded 500 files containing trade secrets from his Google-issued laptop to the cloud between May 2022 and May 2023, evading detection. He was paid by a China-based company, without his supervisors’ knowledge, and also worked with another Chinese company. Ding openly sought funding for an A.I. start-up at an investor conference in Beijing, boasting about replicating and upgrading Google’s computational power platform.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated that the Justice Department will not tolerate the theft of advanced technologies that could pose a risk to national security. The charges highlight the competitive landscape in artificial intelligence, with China aiming to lead the field. The U.S.-China intellectual property theft issue has been a longstanding concern, with accusations and legal actions on both sides.
The case underscores the importance of safeguarding sensitive commercial information and trade secrets. Google, where Ding worked from 2019 until early 2023, has strict security measures in place to prevent theft. The company cooperated with law enforcement after discovering the breach and commended the FBI for its assistance.
The indictment suggests that Ding may have had assistance from another Google employee in concealing his actions. Details about Ding’s background and motives are scarce, but his sudden departure from Google and subsequent move to China raise suspicions. The case serves as a reminder of the risks associated with intellectual property theft and the need for heightened vigilance in protecting sensitive technologies.
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