Ex-researcher claims China has spies in US AI labs

Coxon warned that insider access could enable China to conduct covert exfiltration and steal AI models, thereby neutralizing any technological lead the United States might build. He drew a comparison to defense contractors like SpaceXAI, which undergo stringent background checks and hiring restrictions for foreign nationals, arguing that Silicon Valley AI labs currently operate with minimal security vetting. Coxon advocates for implementing defense-grade counter-intelligence protocols, mandatory background checks, and potentially restrictive hiring rules.

The allegations surface amid intense competition between the US and China in the AI sector. Both nations are rapidly developing and releasing new AI models. Coxon's concerns highlight the difficulty of protecting valuable research as AI models become more sophisticated, especially if sensitive advancements can be easily replicated.