Ex-Google Engineer Faces New Charges in AI Trade Secrets Case
A former Google software engineer, Linwei Ding, is facing more serious charges related to stealing [[AI]] trade secrets. A federal grand jury in San Francisco has added to the original charges, now accusing him of economic espionage and theft of trade secrets to help two Chinese companies.
Details of the Charges
Ding, 38, a Chinese national also known as Leon Ding, now faces 14 counts – seven for economic espionage and seven for theft of trade secrets. If found guilty, the penalties could be severe. Each economic espionage charge carries a maximum of 15 years in prison and a $5 million (roughly Rs. 43 crore) fine, while each trade secret theft count could mean up to 10 years and a $250,000 (roughly Rs. 2.18 crore) fine. Ding was first charged in March 2024 with four counts of trade secret theft and is currently out on bail.
The Technology at the Center of the Case
The stolen information involves the hardware and software that Google uses in its massive data centers to train large AI models. This tech is crucial for Google’s cloud computing business, helping them compete with rivals like Amazon and Microsoft. Some of the stolen blueprints relate to advanced computer chips that Google designs in-house, giving them an advantage in the cloud market and reducing their reliance on chips from companies like Nvidia.
Disruptive Technology Strike Force Involvement
This case is part of a larger effort by the Biden administration to protect advanced US technology from falling into the wrong hands. Ding’s case is being handled by the Disruptive Technology Strike Force, formed in 2023 to prevent nations like China and Russia from acquiring sensitive tech that could be used against the US.
The Alleged Timeline and Google’s Response
Prosecutors say Ding joined Google in May 2019 and started stealing information around May 2022 while being recruited by a Chinese tech company. By May 2023, he had allegedly uploaded over 1,000 confidential files. He later shared a presentation with employees of a Chinese startup he founded, highlighting China’s focus on developing its own [[AI]] industry. Google, which cooperated with the investigation, has not been charged in the case. While there have been talks of a potential resolution to the case, it’s expected to go to trial.
What Happens Next?
A court hearing in December 2024 suggests the case may go to trial. This case highlights the growing importance of [[AI]] and the lengths some will go to gain a competitive edge in this burgeoning field.