Chinese AI labs are training models on Nvidia's Blackwell despite export controls, says ex-OpenAI engineer

Former OpenAI engineer Will DePue, who recently launched an AI research consultancy, has uncovered evidence that Chinese AI labs are training models on Nvidia's restricted Blackwell GPUs, despite export controls. This surprising discovery was made by analyzing the hidden signatures of GPU training in published AI models. DePue found that models from DeepSeek, Moonshot AI, MiniMax, and Ant Group were indeed initialized on Nvidia Blackwell systems.

These findings, published by DePue's consultancy, suggest that the current chip export controls are ineffective, as Chinese labs have found a way to circumvent them. The report highlights the need for stricter regulations to prevent Chinese AI labs from accessing cutting-edge AI technology.