The Federal Register website temporarily incorporated an open-source AI search tool developed by Alibaba, despite FBI warnings about the risks of using Chinese AI models. The tool was removed after public scrutiny revealed the apparent contradiction between government policy and practice.
- Alibaba’s Qwen AI briefly used on Federal Register website
- FBI flagged Chinese AI firms for 'industrial-scale' US model copying
- Experts say security risks were low due to public data and local operation
What happened
The Federal Register website, managed by the National Archives, briefly integrated an AI-powered search tool using one of Alibaba’s Qwen models. The tool was available for at least a day in mid-September before it was removed following public attention. Social media users brought the issue to light by sharing screenshots showing the Chinese AI model powering search functions on a prominent US government site.
This inclusion came amid recent FBI accusations against Alibaba and other Chinese firms for engaging in activities described as 'industrial-scale distillation' of US AI technology, raising national security concerns. Despite these warnings, the National Archives did not provide public explanation for the use or removal of the tool, and US government agencies including the White House and FBI declined to comment.
Why it matters
The incident exposes a stark contradiction: while the US government cautions against reliance on Chinese AI models, it simultaneously used one of them in a federal digital service. Industry experts highlighted the disconnect, describing the move as inconsistent with ongoing efforts to reduce US dependency on Chinese AI technology. The FBI has warned that such reliance could compromise national security and intellectual property protections.
However, legal and technology scholars argue the actual risk from this particular deployment was limited since the AI model only searched publicly available documents and operated locally without sending data to Alibaba’s servers. This episode highlights the nuanced challenges the US faces as it balances security concerns with practical use of open-source AI tools, some of which originate from China but are operated by US entities.
What to watch next
US regulators and lawmakers are expected to increase scrutiny of government use of foreign AI models, especially those connected to Chinese companies. Discussions are ongoing about whether open-source models controlled domestically should be regulated the same way as externally operated Chinese services. The evolving policy landscape will impact government procurement and use of AI technologies, potentially shaping broader AI governance frameworks in the US.
Meanwhile, AI safety and data sovereignty debates continue worldwide, with China urging cooperation between the two countries’ business communities. The National Archives and related agencies have yet to clarify their position or whether safeguards will be implemented to prevent similar situations. Monitoring these developments will be critical as the US seeks to assert technological leadership while navigating complex geopolitical risks.