A recent forensic analysis indicates that AI models from Chinese companies DeepSeek, Moonshot AI, MiniMax, and Ant Group may have utilized NVIDIA's Blackwell GPUs, which are subject to export restrictions to China. The analysis found numerical patterns in the models' weights that align with Blackwell hardware, suggesting these companies have begun using this advanced technology for AI development. However, the findings do not provide definitive proof of where the GPUs were located or whether export controls were breached.
Key facts
- Six AI models from Chinese companies show patterns matching NVIDIA's Blackwell GPUs.
- The analysis was based on the models' published weights, not leaks or insider information.
- Earlier models from these companies matched NVIDIA's older Hopper generation.
- The findings do not confirm the location of the GPUs or if export controls were violated.
- The forensic method requires published weights to identify the hardware used.
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