The chairmen of two U.S. House committees have announced a joint investigation into the national security and cybersecurity risks linked to the growing use of Chinese developed artificial intelligence models, saying the inquiry will examine how such systems are being adopted in the United States and what risks they may pose to American data, businesses and critical infrastructure.
Congressional Inquiry Targets Use of Chinese AI Models
The inquiry has been announced by House Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar and House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino. The investigation will focus on Chinese firms including DeepSeek, Alibaba, Moonshot AI and MiniMax, whose systems are described as low cost, open weight and API accessible.
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The committees are examining concerns that these models may introduce hidden vulnerabilities and expose American companies and users to cybersecurity and national security risks. The report also cites criticism of decisions by Airbnb and Anysphere to build products on Chinese AI models, with lawmakers saying such use could threaten infrastructure relied upon by Americans and place collected data at risk.
Warnings Over Data Access and Strategic Dependence
The committee leaders as arguing that Chinese AI companies are subject to Chinese law and could be compelled to hand over data collected from American firms. The models are shaped by China’s censorship regime and may create long term dependence on technology aligned with an adversarial state.
The lawmakers contend that American companies cannot afford to treat Chinese AI as merely a cheap and convenient tool if the consequences include exposed data, compromised systems and broader supply chain dependence. They say the investigation is intended to better understand the scale of adoption and assess the steps needed to protect American innovation and national security.
Scrutiny Extends to Model Distillation Concerns
The investigation also follows growing concern that AI companies based in China may be using unauthorised model distillation and other unlawful methods to derive capabilities from advanced American frontier models and then package those capabilities into cheaper systems without equivalent safety protections.
The model distillation can in itself be a legitimate method of AI development. However, they say serious concerns arise when such distillation is alleged to have been carried out through fraudulent accounts, proxy networks, bypassing access controls or violating the terms of service of U.S. companies. Those concerns extend beyond intellectual property to cybersecurity, model origin and supply chain security, as the resulting systems are then marketed or made accessible to American businesses, developers and consumers.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
