The US government has launched an investigation into Chinese AI company DeepSeek, following allegations that it "distilled" knowledge from OpenAI's AI models, a process likened to theft by David Sacks, Trump's AI and crypto "czar." In an interview on Fox on Tuesday, Sacks claimed that there is "substantial evidence" to support these allegations, although he failed to provide specific sources or details.

Sacks suggested that DeepSeek used responses from OpenAI models to train its own, which could have significant implications for national security and intellectual property rights. "I don't think OpenAI is very happy about this," Sacks said, hinting at the potential fallout from these allegations. OpenAI, a leading AI research organization, has not yet commented on the matter.

DeepSeek has been under scrutiny this week after its highly performant models and free chat apps went viral, topping the Apple App Store charts. However, the company's sudden popularity has also raised concerns among US government officials, who are now reviewing the implications of its apps. According to Reuters, the National Security Council, which advises the President on foreign policy and national security, is leading the investigation.

The US Navy has already taken action, banning the use of DeepSeek's AI due to "potential security and ethical concerns." This move highlights the seriousness with which the US government is treating these allegations, and the potential risks associated with using AI models developed by foreign companies.

The allegations against DeepSeek come at a time when the US and China are engaged in a heated AI arms race, with both countries investing heavily in AI research and development. The incident has sparked concerns about the potential theft of intellectual property and the misuse of AI technology, which could have far-reaching consequences for national security and global stability.

As the investigation into DeepSeek continues, it remains to be seen what evidence will come to light and what actions the US government will take. However, one thing is clear: the incident has highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the development and deployment of AI technology, particularly when it comes to foreign companies operating in the US market.

The incident also raises questions about the role of government in regulating AI development and ensuring that AI technology is used responsibly. As AI becomes increasingly pervasive in our daily lives, it is essential that governments, companies, and individuals work together to establish clear guidelines and safeguards to prevent the misuse of AI technology.

In the meantime, the US government's investigation into DeepSeek serves as a warning to companies operating in the AI space: the development and deployment of AI technology must be done in a transparent and responsible manner, with respect for intellectual property rights and national security concerns.