OpenAI's Paradox: Championing Global AI While Curbing International Access

DeepSeek's emergence has indeed caught OpenAI by surprise. Recent reports from TechCrunch revealed that OpenAI has submitted a policy proposal to describe DeepSeek as an entity funded and controlled by the government, urging a ban on AI models developed by such organizations. OpenAI pointed out, "While the U.S. remains a leader in AI, DeepSeek's appearance shows that this lead is not significant and is diminishing."

OpenAI previously accused DeepSeek of distilling its models during the Lunar New Year, claiming this violated the terms of service. However, TechCrunch notes that DeepSeek’s open-source model does not inherently harvest user data, with companies like Microsoft and Amazon hosting these models on their infrastructures.

The proposal targets an upcoming AI Action Plan by the U.S.'s Office of Science and Technology Policy, initiated under a new executive order signed by President Trump to maintain the U.S.'s dominant global position in AI. In its proposal, OpenAI detailed the trends in AI development, including the logarithmic relation of model intelligence and resource use, the steady drop in AI usage costs, and the accelerated pace of AI catching up with human intelligence.

Furthermore, OpenAI expressed concerns that DeepSeek, being publicly funded and freely accessible, forces users to compromise privacy and security. OpenAI also called for a streamlined framework to encourage U.S. federal and private sector collaboration, worrying that existing fragmented regulations might stifle innovation, particularly in AI.

The proposal, aimed at controlling AI exports primarily to China, suggests a tiered framework for managing global AI technology flow to ensure American dominance. Amid these concerns, OpenAI's strategy reflects a dual approach: advocating for lax domestic AI regulations while seeking to restrict international access to U.S. AI technologies.

Ironically, OpenAI reaffirms its mission to ensure AI benefits everyone, yet its proposal advocates for limiting other nations' access to AI technology, revealing a paradox in the company's stance. This approach undermines the global diversity of the AI ecosystem and may slow technological advancement.