OpenAI and Google sell AI models to Singapore subsidiaries of blacklisted Chinese firms
Singapore's role as a neutral AI hub is creating a backdoor for Chinese tech giants to access frontier American AI models, raising questions about the effectiveness of US export controls.
OpenAI and Google have confirmed supplying AI services to the Singapore-based subsidiaries of Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent, highlighting a gap in US restrictions on the export of advanced AI technologies.
According to the Financial Times, the companies said the services are offered in jurisdictions including Singapore and Hong Kong, where their AI products are available.
OpenAI said it prohibits direct access from China but permits certain overseas affiliates to use its models, while adding it recently cut off API access to Alibaba-linked users after detecting suspected model distillation. Google said its terms of service also prohibit such practices.
The case has fueled concerns that current US rules restricting advanced AI models do not fully prevent Chinese companies, including those on the Pentagon’s blacklist, from accessing leading American AI technology through foreign affiliates.