OpenAI Creator declares no plans to take legal actions against DeepSeek

(MENAFN) OpenAI founder Sam Altman has confirmed that the company has no plans to take legal action against DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup gaining traction with its free, open-source chatbot, DeepSeek-R1. Speaking in Tokyo on Monday, Altman praised the chatbot as “certainly an impressive model” and reiterated OpenAI’s commitment to leading the AI space with superior products.

DeepSeek-R1, launched in January 2025, quickly became the most downloaded free app on the US Apple App Store, drawing attention for its accessibility, unlike OpenAI’s subscription-based ChatGPT. Although OpenAI raised concerns last month about DeepSeek possibly using “distillation” techniques to replicate GPT’s capabilities, Altman dismissed any legal actions and instead focused on OpenAI’s goal of creating great products and welcoming competition.

The rise of DeepSeek has already shaken the AI sector, contributing to a decline in shares of major US tech companies like Nvidia and Microsoft. Meanwhile, DeepSeek’s alleged ties to Chinese government-backed initiatives have led to some countries, such as Australia and Italy, restricting its use, with the US Navy also banning the app for its servicemen. US President Donald Trump has referred to DeepSeek as a “wake-up call” for US industries, urging a stronger competitive focus. In response, OpenAI plans to accelerate the release of new AI models, while other countries, including India and Russia, are stepping up their AI efforts.

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