Alibaba, the Chinese e-commerce and technology behemoth, has reportedly implemented a ban on its employees using Anthropic's artificial intelligence programming tool, Claude Code. The directive, which reportedly came into effect on July 10, 2026, classifies the software as 'high-risk', according to multiple reports. This development underscores growing concerns over data security and intellectual property in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, particularly in the context of international tech relations.
The move by Alibaba aligns with ongoing efforts by Anthropic, a prominent US-based AI company, to restrict access to its models for Chinese companies and foreign entities under their ownership. Anthropic has reportedly been working to close various loopholes that have allowed Chinese users to access its Claude AI suite. This tighter control is aimed at preventing account misuse and a practice known as 'distillation', where AI models are trained on the outputs of other models without authorisation.
A recent online discussion on Reddit highlighted some of Anthropic's methods for closing these loopholes, including an experimental version of Claude Code designed to identify Chinese users. Thariq Shihipar from Anthropic confirmed on X that this was an experimental measure launched in March, intended to combat account abuse from unauthorised resellers and protect against distillation. He added that stronger mitigation strategies have since been implemented, and the experimental feature was due to be removed.
Despite Anthropic's explanations regarding its security measures, Alibaba has reportedly taken a cautious stance, instructing its employees to cease using Claude Code. Instead, the company is directing staff to utilise its proprietary internal programming tool, Qoder. This internal pivot highlights a broader trend among major tech companies to develop and rely on their own AI infrastructure, potentially to maintain greater control over data, intellectual property, and operational security.
The incident reflects the complex geopolitical dynamics influencing the development and deployment of advanced AI technologies. As AI models become increasingly powerful and integral to business operations, concerns over national security, data sovereignty, and competitive advantage are intensifying. This is particularly relevant for UK businesses and consumers, as global tech policies and restrictions can have ripple effects on the availability, cost, and security of AI tools used across various sectors.