 "ByteDance has accused Tian, the intern of “malicious interference” with its AI model training, alleging unauthorised code manipulation and sabotage. Image Credit: Reuters")
Chinese tech giant ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has filed a lawsuit against a former intern, accusing them of deliberately sabotaging its artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. The company is seeking 8 million yuan (approximately $1.1 million) in damages, a significant amount for a legal case involving an intern. The Haidian District People’s Court in Beijing has accepted the lawsuit, which has become a focal point in China’s ongoing AI race.
The intern, identified as Tian Keyu, was dismissed in August 2023 for allegedly tampering with the code of ByteDance’s large language model (LLM) training project. ByteDance claims Tian’s actions caused significant disruption and waste of resources, though the company has denied rumours suggesting losses involving thousands of GPUs or millions of dollars, calling such claims “seriously exaggerated.”
ByteDance’s charges against the former intern
ByteDance has accused Tian of “malicious interference” with its AI model training, alleging unauthorised code manipulation and sabotage. The company stated that these actions disrupted a critical research project and wasted valuable resources. ByteDance reported Tian’s behaviour to professional ethics organisations, including the Trust and Integrity Enterprise Alliance, as well as to Tian’s university. Despite these measures, Tian has consistently denied the allegations.
The case has attracted attention due to the relatively large sum of damages sought and the growing significance of AI technology. ByteDance’s legal action is viewed as an effort to protect its investments in cutting-edge AI initiatives, which play a central role in its business strategy.
ByteDance’s AI ambitions and competitive landscape
This high-profile case coincides with ByteDance’s aggressive expansion in AI development. The company’s chatbot, Doubao, launched in August 2023, has already become the leading AI chatbot in China, boasting 51 million monthly active users by October. Doubao has outperformed rivals such as Baidu’s Wenxiaoyan and Alibaba-backed Kimi, reflecting ByteDance’s dominance in the sector.
ByteDance’s success in AI mirrors a broader trend among Chinese tech giants, including Alibaba and Meituan, which are investing heavily in AI research and development. However, these companies face challenges from international restrictions, such as limited access to NVIDIA’s advanced AI chips, which are crucial for building state-of-the-art models.
A case that highlights AI stakes
The lawsuit underscores the challenges of safeguarding intellectual property and ensuring internal security in the competitive AI industry. As ByteDance ramps up its efforts in generative AI, such disruptions pose risks not only to its operations but also to its reputation as a global tech leader.
This legal action serves as a clear message about the seriousness with which ByteDance approaches the integrity of its projects. The case also reflects the growing importance of AI as a key competitive area for Chinese tech firms. With ByteDance at the forefront of this race, the outcome of this lawsuit could have implications far beyond the courtroom, shaping how tech companies address internal breaches in the future.