A former software engineer at Google, Linwei Ding, has been charged with stealing artificial intelligence trade secrets from the company while secretly working with two companies based in China, according to the Justice Department. Ding, a Chinese national, was arrested in Newark, California, on four counts of federal trade secret theft, each punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The case against Ding was announced by Attorney General Merrick Garland at an American Bar Association Conference in San Francisco, where he highlighted the threat of Chinese economic espionage and national security concerns related to advancements in artificial intelligence and other developing technologies.

Google confirmed that Ding had stolen "numerous documents" and referred the matter to law enforcement. The company's spokesman, Jose Castaneda, stated that Google has strict safeguards to prevent the theft of confidential commercial information and trade secrets. The FBI Director, Christopher Wray, emphasized the serious consequences of stealing innovative technology and trade secrets from American companies, warning about the devastating economic and national security impacts.

Artificial intelligence is a key battleground for high technology competitors, with major commercial and security implications. Justice Department leaders have been raising alarms about how foreign adversaries could utilize AI technologies to negatively affect the United States. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco highlighted the administration's focus on AI enforcement through the Disruptive Technology Strike Force, while Wray warned about the potential for adversaries to interfere with the American political process using emerging technologies.

The indictment against Ding alleges that he began uploading hundreds of files containing confidential information from Google into a personal Google Cloud account two years ago. He was offered a position as chief technology officer at a technology company in China shortly after the theft began, and he also founded a China-based startup focused on training large AI models. Ding did not disclose these affiliations to Google and resigned from the company in December. Google officials discovered his involvement with the Chinese companies after he presented as CEO at an investor conference in Beijing.

Following an investigation, the FBI served search warrants at Ding's home and seized electronic devices containing more than 500 unique files of confidential information stolen from Google. Ding, 38, does not currently have legal representation to speak on his behalf. The Justice Department emphasized its role in protecting the U.S.'s lead in developing AI technology and prosecuting those who engage in economic espionage.