OpenAI and Google sold AI models to blacklisted China groups

OpenAI and Google sell AI models to blacklisted China groups

An FT investigation found OpenAI and Google sold model access via Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud to at least eight Chinese companies on the US Entity List, including Huawei, SenseTime, Yitu, and iFlytek. Sales went through overseas subsidiaries or third-party resellers. Both companies say they didn't violate export controls, but internal documents obtained by FT show some sales teams knew the customers' backgrounds and kept the deals going. The core tension: whether cloud-based model access counts as an 'export' is still a legal gray area.

Why it matters: FT exclusive investigation with internal docs alleging OpenAI and Google sold model access to Entity List Chinese firms via cloud services. Names Huawei, SenseTime among at least eight, using overseas subs or resellers to bypass controls. Both companies deny violations but int...