Chinese spies targeting $100 million US AI secrets, says Anthropic CEO
Dario Amodei is an advocate for strict US export controls on AI chips directed towards China. He has voiced concerns about China's advancements in AI technology. Amodei is particularly worried about the potential misuse of AI for authoritarian and military objectives. He believes that without proper regulation, AI could be used to harm rather than help. This concern is prompting him to push for increased control and restrictions on AI technology exports.
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei Raises Espionage Concerns
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has raised alarms over potential Chinese espionage efforts targeting US artificial intelligence firms, urging the federal government to step in to protect sensitive technology. Speaking at a Council on Foreign Relations event on Monday, Amodei highlighted the threat of “large-scale industrial espionage” from China, warning that AI companies like Anthropic are likely being targeted.
“Many of these algorithmic secrets, there are $100 million secrets that are a few lines of code,” Amodei said. “And, you know, I’m sure that there are folks trying to steal them, and they may be succeeding.” He noted that greater government assistance is “very important” to mitigate these risks but did not specify what measures should be taken.
Anthropic's Recommendations to the OSTP
Anthropic did not comment on Amodei’s remarks but pointed to its recent recommendations to the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). In that submission, the company suggested that the US government collaborate with AI firms and intelligence agencies to strengthen security at frontier AI labs.
Amodei's Stance on US-China AI Collaboration
Amodei has previously called for strict US export controls on AI chips to China and has expressed concerns about the country’s AI development, particularly its potential use for authoritarian and military purposes. His stance has drawn criticism from some AI experts who argue that US-China collaboration is necessary to prevent an uncontrolled AI arms race. However, Amodei maintains that the risks posed by China’s AI ambitions justify stronger protective measures.