Research suggests Chinese AI models used restricted Nvidia Blackwell chips

Researchers at UnemploymentLabs utilized statistical analysis to examine the initial weight values of open-weight Chinese AI models like DeepSeek V4 and Kimi K3.1. By recreating the randomization process using specific hardware configurations, they found that the statistical distribution of the weight values matched those produced by Nvidia's Blackwell chips. While the findings strongly suggest that these advanced chips were utilized during training, the researchers noted that their method does not pinpoint the physical location of the hardware or prove whether export controls were violated. Current trade regulations restrict the export of high-end Nvidia accelerators to China, but renting or accessing such hardware abroad remains a complex gray area in the industry.