US lawmakers probe DoorDash's use of Chinese AI models over security fears

US lawmakers are scrutinizing DoorDash's use of Chinese artificial intelligence models, raising national security concerns. House Select Committee on China chairman John Moolenaar and House Committee on Homeland Security chairman Andrew Garbarino sent a letter to DoorDash CEO Tony Xu on Friday. They are demanding information by August 14 about every Chinese model the company employs and any security tests conducted on them.

The lawmakers also require DoorDash personnel responsible for AI infrastructure, software security, model evaluation, procurement, and legal review to attend an in-person briefing by August 21. The letter acknowledges that US companies may choose Chinese open-weight AI models for competitive capabilities, lower costs, and customization. However, it stresses that these practical considerations do not negate the need for risk-based safeguards or diminish national security worries linked to dependence on models developed under Chinese jurisdiction.

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The Committees recognise that US companies, from large technology firms to start-ups, may evaluate and deploy PRC-developed open-weight models because they can provide competitive capabilities, lower costs, greater customisation, and alternatives to reliance on a small number of proprietary model providers.

This investigation underscores a broader trend of increasing tensions between US legislators and the tech industry. Many US companies are turning to Chinese AI models, attracted by their cost-effectiveness and advanced features, despite potential security risks. The move signals a proactive approach by Congress to monitor and potentially regulate the adoption of foreign AI technologies by domestic businesses.

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Those practical considerations do not eliminate the need for risk-based safeguards or diminish the national security concerns associated with growing dependence on models developed by entities subject to PRC jurisdiction.