Alibaba to ban employees from using Anthropic's Claude Code amid US-China tech tensions

Alibaba, the Chinese e-commerce and technology conglomerate, is set to prohibit its employees from using Claude Code, an artificial intelligence programming tool developed by the US-based company Anthropic, starting July 10. The move comes as part of a broader trend of increasing restrictions between US and Chinese technology firms amid geopolitical tensions.

According to multiple reports, Alibaba has classified Claude Code as a high-risk software. Employees will be required to use the company's own AI coding tool, Qoder, instead. The directive is expected to affect all staff members who use external AI coding assistants.

Anthropic had previously barred Chinese companies and other foreign entities from using its AI models and tools. However, loopholes reportedly allowed some users in China to continue accessing Claude. To address this, Anthropic is said to have introduced a version of Claude with embedded tracking features to detect user location and affiliation with Chinese companies. However, the company has since retreated from these measures, according to a report by The Information.

The development highlights the escalating rivalry between the United States and China in the field of artificial intelligence. Both nations have imposed restrictions on technology transfers and access to advanced AI tools, citing national security concerns. The US has limited the export of high-performance chips and AI software to China, while Chinese firms have been encouraged to develop domestic alternatives.

Alibaba's decision aligns with a pattern of Chinese technology companies reducing reliance on foreign software and promoting indigenous innovation. Qoder, Alibaba's in-house AI coding tool, is positioned as a secure and compliant alternative for its employees.

Anthropic has not officially commented on the reported tracking features or the backtracking. The company's primary focus remains on the development of safe and ethical AI systems, as per public statements. The incident underscores the challenges faced by technology firms operating across jurisdictions with divergent regulatory frameworks.