Former Google AI Engineer Arrested for Stealing Technology in Plot to Set Up Own Company in China
Introduction
The Justice Department announced on Wednesday the arrest of a former Google AI engineer, accusing him of stealing advanced technology information with the intention to establish his own company in China. The case serves as a warning against illicit transfer of United States technologies to China and highlights the ongoing technological competition between the two countries.
Background
The former Google engineer, identified as Leon Ding, a 38-year-old Chinese national, was apprehended in Newark, Calif., and charged with four counts of trade secret theft. The charges relate to his alleged unauthorized transfer of confidential information from Google to his personal Google Cloud account to benefit his own business ventures in China.
U.S. Government’s Vigilance
The Justice Department’s decision to pursue this case emphasizes the government’s determination to protect national security by thwarting the theft of advanced technologies. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland expressed the Justice Department’s commitment to preventing the theft of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies that could pose a risk to the country’s security.
Charges and Consequences
If convicted, Ding could face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison along with fines of up to $1 million. The indictment filed in federal court outlines Ding’s work at Google and alleges that he uploaded over 500 files regarding chip architecture and software design specifications to his personal Google Cloud account.
The Importance of Stolen Information
The stolen trade secrets specifically pertain to “tensor processing units” and “graphics processing units,” which are crucial components in building supercomputing centers. The evidence suggests that Ding aimed to gain a business advantage in China with this stolen technology.
Clandestine Business Ventures
In addition to his employment at Google, Ding held the position of chief technology officer at a Chinese AI company, Beijing Rongshu Lianzhi Technology, and even founded another Chinese company called Shanghai Zhisuan Technology. Notably, Ding failed to disclose these business engagements to Google, which raises concerns about his intentions and potential conflicts of interest.
Government’s Message
Assistant Secretary Matthew Axelrod of the Commerce Department’s Office for Export Enforcement stressed that this case should serve as a warning to those attempting to transfer sensitive U.S. technology to China. The government is determined to indict individuals involved in such actions and protect important technologies from acquisition by “authoritarian regimes and hostile nation-states.”
Collaborative Investigation
The investigation into Ding’s activities was carried out jointly by the Justice Department and the Commerce Department’s Disruptive Technology Strike Force. This partnership aims to safeguard U.S. technologies from being exploited by countries posing threats to national security.
Significance of Artificial Intelligence
Both the U.S. and Chinese governments recognize the strategic potential of artificial intelligence. While AI has the capacity to enhance economic performance in civilian sectors, its relevance to military and intelligence agencies cannot be overlooked. Given the importance of AI, President Biden issued an executive order to ensure the country maintains its lead in AI development, surpassing competitors like China.
No Immediate Response
The individuals and companies implicated in the trade secret theft case, namely Leon Ding, Beijing Rongshu Lianzhi Technology, and Shanghai Zhisuan Technology, remain unreached for comment as of now.
Google’s Response
Google spokesperson José Castañeda clarified that the company detected the theft and subsequently referred the case to the relevant federal authorities. Castañeda affirmed that Google implements robust measures to safeguard its proprietary information and trade secrets.
Gerrit De Vynck contributed to this report.
