A Hacker Stole OpenAI Secrets, Raising Fears That China Could, Too

A hacker breached OpenAI's internal messaging systems last year, obtaining details about the company's A.I. technologies' design but not the actual code. The incident, disclosed to employees in April 2023, raised concerns about potential theft by foreign entities like China. Despite fears of national security risks, OpenAI did not report the breach to law enforcement, believing the hacker was not linked to a foreign government. The company faced internal divisions over security measures, with a former employee criticizing its vulnerability to espionage. While concerns persist about A.I. technology misuse, studies suggest current systems pose no significant national security threat. Companies like OpenAI and Anthropic are enhancing security protocols to mitigate risks. As the U.S. and China compete in A.I. development, experts emphasize the need for tighter controls on A.I. labs to prevent potential future dangers. Despite advancements in A.I., regulations to restrict harmful technologies are still in progress, with ongoing debates on the balance between innovation and security.