Microsoft Weighs Closing Beijing AI Lab Amid China Hacking Fears and Political Pressure
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Top Microsoft executives have debated whether to close the company's controversial AI lab in Beijing due to political pressure and national security concerns.
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There are worries China could hack the lab and steal sensitive technology or that researchers may leave Microsoft to work with Chinese tech firms.
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Bill Gates and Microsoft President Brad Smith support keeping the lab open, but discussions about possibly shutting it down or moving it have been underway for over a year.
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Microsoft has put safeguards in place to prevent China from exploiting the lab's work, such as blocking access to certain projects.
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Microsoft continues to expand its operations in China, with about 10,000 employees total and AI research hubs in Beijing and Shanghai.