Microsoft first raises doubts about DeepSeek and then adds it to its cloud

However, despite adding the R1 model to its cloud, Microsoft and OpenAI are reportedly probing the startup that developed the R1 model for IP infringement.

A separate report from Bloomberg noted that both the US-headquartered firms were checking if DeepSeek had accessed and copied OpenAI’s technology while developing its reasoning model.

The report further cites Microsoft security researchers saying that they had observed people affiliated or connected to DeepSeek taking out large amounts of data using OpenAI’s API — the tool that is used to interact with any OpenAI services or models.

Microsoft, which is also an investor in OpenAI, reportedly notified OpenAI of the alleged suspicious activity.

Another reason for the probe is the rising popularity of the DeepSeek model among users and cloud providers. The day it launched, it soared over ChatGPT — OpenAI’s assistant, in terms of downloads and rank on the Apple App Store.

The White House also seems to believe that DeepSeek may have found a way to copy some technology from OpenAI to create its R1 model.