ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has filed a lawsuit against a former doctoral intern for allegedly tampering with internal AI model training. The company is seeking damages of $1.1 million, along with additional expenses and a formal apology. The case will be heard by the Haidian District People’s Court in Beijing.
Alleged AI Project Disruption
The intern, identified only by their surname, Tian, is accused of intentionally interfering with the training process of an AI model between June and July 2024. ByteDance claimed that the disruption stemmed from dissatisfaction over resource allocation for the project. Although the alleged actions did not impact commercial products or broader operations, the company deemed the breach severe enough to terminate Tian’s internship in August.
Legal Repercussions and Zero Tolerance
ByteDance has emphasized its commitment to internal security and integrity, labeling this lawsuit as a stance against any form of misconduct. The company had also reported the incident to Tian’s university, but the accused denied involvement. ByteDance’s legal team highlighted that the requested damages align with the resources and time wasted due to the alleged breach. Additionally, ByteDance has indicated it may pursue criminal charges if evidence reveals intentional harm.
Broader Implications
This legal action occurs amid heightened global scrutiny on generative AI technologies and the risks of security breaches. ByteDance’s case signals the growing importance of internal safeguards and accountability, especially as tech companies invest heavily in advanced AI systems. Legal experts have noted that this lawsuit could serve as a precedent for handling internal disputes related to intellectual property and resource misuse within the tech sector.
For further details, read the reports on TechNode, Dupple, and Southern Metropolis Daily​
