The Commerce Department has launched a probe into whether Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek obtained restricted Nvidia chips through Singapore, reports say.

Powerful artificial intelligence software from Chinese startup DeepSeek indicates that its engineers built a competitive model despite US attempts to curtail China’s tech development, raising questions about the effectiveness of Washington’s trade curbs.

Export controls need to be tightened after revelations the Chinese company used Nvidia technology, the leaders of a congressional committee said.

Two U.S. Congress members are calling on President Donald Trump's administration to consider restricting the export of artificial intelligence chips made by Nvidia, alleging Chinese AI firm DeepSeek has relied on them.