Zhipu’s Founder Advocates for Open Frontier AI
Zhipu’s founder, Tang Jie, argues for keeping frontier Artificial Intelligence (AI) open and accessible to everyone, contrary to potential government plans in China. In an internal memo reviewed by Bloomberg, he contends that security is enhanced through broad participation, sharing, and oversight rather than technological barriers or selective control.
His Perspective:
Tang emphasizes that real safety comes from having many eyes on a system, enabling faster identification and mitigation of flaws. Zhipu has demonstrated this commitment by releasing GLM-5.2 under an open-source license, allowing free download and commercialization.
The Timing and Context:
His remarks come amid reports that Beijing is considering limiting access to China’s most advanced open AI models overseas. This potential shift in policy aligns with the strategic advantage China has traditionally gained from openness but raises concerns about potential drawbacks.
Commercial Considerations:
Zhipu stands to gain commercially if AI remains open since its models have spread globally due to their free availability. The company also faces competition from increasingly sophisticated Chinese models that are catching up with frontier labs in the US.
The Debate:
The debate revolves around balancing openness for broader security and research capabilities against potential risks of unauthorized use by malicious actors, such as those involved in cyberattacks or bioweapons development. Both sides acknowledge valid concerns but differ in their assessment of which risk is more significant.
Zhipu’s Significance:
As a prominent AI lab with substantial backing and global reach, Zhipu’s stance carries weight. The question it raises is whether China will restrict its open models, potentially ending the world’s primary source of free frontier-class AI at a time when the US is limiting access to its own models due to security concerns.
Tang’s Call:
Tang Jie is advocating for this outcome from within China, where such decisions are made, leaving uncertain whether his message will be heeded.