A former Google software engineer, Linwei Ding, also known as Leon Ding, has been indicted in California, United States, on charges related to the theft of trade secrets concerning artificial intelligence (AI). Ding, a Chinese national, is alleged to have clandestinely worked for two Chinese companies while employed at Google, stealing more than 500 confidential files.
Ding faces four charges and was arrested following the indictment. Each count carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison and fines of $250,000. No comment has been issued by Ding’s legal representation as of now.
The stolen information pertains to Google’s supercomputing data center infrastructure, crucial for hosting and training large AI models. According to the indictment, Ding joined Google in 2019 with responsibilities that included developing such software. Starting in May 2022, he purportedly began transferring Google’s network-stored data to his personal Google account over the course of a year.
During this time, Ding is alleged to have worked for Beijing Rongshu Lianzhi Technology, a start-up offering him a significant monthly salary to serve as Chief Technology Officer. Additionally, he established his own tech firm, Shanghai Zhisuan Technology, specializing in AI and machine learning, where he assumed the role of CEO.
Efforts to reach out to Rongshu for comment were made, while Zhisuan’s response is currently pending.
Prosecutors assert that Ding failed to disclose his affiliations with either company to Google. He even applied to a China-based organization to assist in building his business and showcased it at a Chinese investor conference in November 2023. Google’s suspicions were first raised when Ding attempted further uploads from China the following month. Despite Ding’s explanation, subsequent investigations revealed unauthorized file transfers.
Upon returning to the US, Ding booked a one-way ticket to Beijing and resigned from Google shortly thereafter, triggering further suspicion from the tech giant. Google suspended his access and scrutinized his activities, uncovering the illicit uploads.
José Castañeda, a spokesperson for Google, emphasized the company’s stringent measures to safeguard confidential information and trade secrets, highlighting their prompt action in alerting authorities to suspected wrongdoing.
Commenting on the case, US Attorney General Merrick Garland condemned Ding’s actions, describing them as an attempt to profit by aiding companies seeking an advantage in the AI sector. FBI Director Christopher Wray characterized Ding’s alleged actions as emblematic of the lengths Chinese companies will go to in stealing American innovation. H1 H1 H1 H1 H1 H1 H1 H1 H1 H1
The incident underscores the ongoing tension between the US and China in the realm of technology, with both nations striving for supremacy in AI and related fields. This conflict has manifested in trade disputes and regulatory measures, reflecting broader geopolitical competition between the two global powers.
