Key facts
- Alibaba plans to charge major users of its Qwen3.8-Max open-source AI model.
- The charge will be a share of users' revenue.
- Alibaba's model is similar to that of AI startup Moonshot.
- This move by Alibaba indicates a convergence in business models among Chinese AI firms.
- Chinese AI firms aim to compete with U.S. rivals.
- Zbtlink Electronics is suspending sales of affected router models.
- Zbtlink is removing software after discovering a backdoor vulnerability.
- The vulnerability could allow unauthorized access and control of devices.
Chinese tech giant Alibaba is set to implement a revenue-sharing model for its forthcoming open-source AI model, Qwen3.8-Max. Major users of this advanced model will be required to pay a share of their revenue to Alibaba, a business strategy previously adopted by AI startup Moonshot. This initiative by Alibaba signals a growing trend among Chinese AI firms to align their business models, particularly in the pursuit of competing effectively with major U.S. AI companies. The move reflects a strategic shift in how AI services are commercialized within China's rapidly evolving tech landscape.
In a separate development within China's technology sector, router manufacturer Zbtlink Electronics has announced the suspension of sales for specific router models. This action follows the discovery of a significant backdoor vulnerability within the affected devices' software. Zbtlink is also undertaking the removal of the compromised software from its systems. The vulnerability poses a security risk, as it could potentially allow unauthorized individuals to gain access to and exert control over devices connected to the affected networks. The company's response aims to mitigate the risks associated with this security flaw and protect its users' network integrity.