A former Google software engineer,
Linwei Ding, also known as Leon Ding, has been indicted in California on four charges related to stealing trade secrets about artificial intelligence (AI) while working secretly for two Chinese companies. Ding, a Chinese national, allegedly stole over 500 confidential files, potentially facing up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 in fines on each count if convicted.
According to the indictment, Ding was employed by Google in 2019, responsible for developing software for Google's supercomputing data centers used in hosting and training large AI models. Allegedly, Ding began uploading Google's network-stored information to his personal Google account in May 2022, continuing periodically for a year.
During this time, Ding spent several months working for Beijing Rongshu Lianzhi Technology, a start-up offering him $14,800 per month as its Chief Technology Officer. He also founded his own AI-focused tech firm, Shanghai Zhisuan Technology, where he served as CEO.
Prosecutors allege that Ding failed to disclose his work for these companies to Google. Ding's actions came to light when Google discovered unauthorized uploads and suspended his access. He later booked a one-way ticket to Beijing, resigning from Google upon his return.
The US Attorney General, Merrick Garland, stated that Ding sought personal enrichment by covertly working for companies trying to gain an edge in the AI technology race. FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the lengths to which some Chinese companies go to steal American innovation.
The case underscores the ongoing tensions between the US and China in technology and trade, with both nations striving for dominance in AI and other advanced technologies.
Google software engineer Linwei Ding Trade secrets Artificial intelligenceChinese companies California indictment Supercomputing data centers Confidential files
Prison sentence Fines Google infrastructure Software development
Personal Google account Beijing Rongshu Lianzhi Technology Chief Technology Officer
Shanghai Zhisuan Technology
CEO China-based organization Investor conference Unauthorized uploads
One-way ticket San Francisco to Beijing Resignation Suspended access
Activity history Trade secrets theft National security US-China trade battle
Tariffs Trade relations Biden administration