Chatbot vs national security? Why DeepSeek is raising concerns

Introduction: The Rise of DeepSeek and Its Global Impact

In recent months, the AI world has been abuzz with the emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI chatbot that has shaken the global tech industry. Developed by a Chinese company, DeepSeek unveiled its R1 programme, which it claims was built using inexpensive and less sophisticated Nvidia semiconductors. This move not only disrupted the global AI landscape but also wiped billions of dollars off the value of U.S. tech stocks. However, DeepSeek’s success has been met with growing concern from governments around the world, who are now taking steps to restrict its use. From Rome to Seoul, authorities are cracking down on the app, citing fears over potential leaks of sensitive information through its generative AI services. This article explores the ongoing situation, examining which countries have banned DeepSeek, the reasons behind these bans, and the broader implications for the future of AI.

Who Has Banned DeepSeek?

The list of countries and regions banning DeepSeek is growing rapidly. Italy was the first to act, launching an investigation into the app and blocking it from accessing Italian users’ data. This move came after Italy’s Data Protection Authority had previously blocked another AI chatbot, ChatGPT, in 2023, highlighting the country’s proactive approach to data security. Taiwan soon followed, banning public sector workers and those in key infrastructure facilities from using DeepSeek, citing concerns over national security due to its Chinese origins. Australia then joined the ranks, imposing similar restrictions on the app. In South Korea, ministries such as defence and unification, which oversee relations with North Korea, along with the police force, banned DeepSeek from military and work computers, citing security risks. Additionally, South Korean authorities announced that DeepSeek would no longer be available in local app stores while they conducted a review of its handling of personal data. In the U.S., lawmakers introduced the "No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act," with Congressman Darin LaHood describing the national security threat posed by the app as “alarming.” State-level bans were also enacted in Texas, Virginia, and New York, with Texas Governor Greg Abbott emphasizing the need to protect personal information from what he called “malicious espionage operations by the Chinese Communist Party.”

Why Are Governments Worried?

At the heart of the concerns surrounding DeepSeek are fears about data privacy and security. While the app’s terms and conditions include a section on sharing personal data with third parties—similar to those of ChatGPT, its U.S.-based competitor—the key difference lies in how data is handled in China. In the U.S., companies like OpenAI typically resist government requests for user data, prioritizing privacy and confidentiality. In contrast, Chinese law requires companies to provide user data to the government when requested. This legal obligation has raised red flags for foreign governments, who fear that DeepSeek could be compelled to share sensitive information with Chinese authorities. Youm Heung-youl, a data security professor at Soonchunhyang University, explains that this distinction between respecting user privacy and complying with government requests often influences how countries view the trustworthiness of companies. For many governments, the risk of potential data leaks and the possibility of misuse by state actors are too great to ignore.

Moreover, DeepSeek’s privacy policy has come under scrutiny for its collection of highly specific user data, including keystroke patterns and rhythms. While such data collection is not unique to DeepSeek, it has raised eyebrows given the app’s Chinese origins and the broader geopolitical tensions between China and the West. Governments are particularly concerned about the potential for this data to be used for surveillance or espionage, especially in sensitive sectors like defence and infrastructure.

What’s DeepSeek’s Privacy Policy?

DeepSeek’s privacy policy has been a focal point of concern for regulators and users alike. The app’s terms and conditions outline its data collection practices, including the gathering of keystroke patterns and rhythms, which are used to analyze how individuals interact with the app. While this kind of data collection is not unusual in the tech industry, it has taken on heightened significance in the context of DeepSeek’s Chinese ownership. The policy also states that user data may be shared with third parties, including business partners and affiliates, under certain circumstances. While this is standard practice for many apps, it has raised alarms in the case of DeepSeek due to the potential for data to be accessed by the Chinese government. The combination of these factors has led to widespread concerns about the app’s ability to safeguard user privacy and prevent data misuse.

What Does This Mean for the Global AI Race?

The banning of DeepSeek by multiple countries highlights the growing tension between innovation and regulation in the AI sector. On one hand, DeepSeek’s emergence represents a significant step forward in the development of generative AI, demonstrating the potential for AI to be both powerful and accessible. On the other hand, the app’s rapid growth has raised important questions about the balance between innovation and security, particularly in an increasingly interconnected world. Governments are now faced with the challenge of ensuring that AI technologies are developed and deployed responsibly, without stifling the creativity and progress that drive the industry forward. The bans on DeepSeek may signal a new era of increased scrutiny for AI companies, particularly those with ties to governments perceived as posing a security risk.

Moreover, the situation underscores the broader geopolitical implications of the global AI race. As countries compete to lead in AI development, concerns over data security and national sovereignty are becoming increasingly entangled with technological innovation. The bans on DeepSeek may set a precedent for how other AI technologies are regulated in the future, potentially leading to a fragmented AI landscape where different regions have different rules and standards. This could have far-reaching consequences for the global AI ecosystem, influencing everything from cross-border collaboration to the availability of AI tools for users around the world.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Challenges of AI Regulation

The story of DeepSeek serves as a microcosm for the broader challenges of regulating AI in a rapidly changing world. While the app’s advanced capabilities have made it a standout in the AI field, its Chinese origins and data collection practices have sparked widespread concern among governments. The bans imposed by countries like Italy, Taiwan, Australia, South Korea, and the U.S. reflect a growing recognition of the need to protect sensitive information in the age of generative AI. However, these measures also highlight the complex interplay between innovation, security, and geopolitics that will continue to shape the future of AI.

As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how DeepSeek and other AI companies will navigate the increasingly complex regulatory landscape. One thing is clear: the global AI race is not just about technological advancement—it’s also about trust, security, and the ability to balance innovation with responsibility. The ongoing challenges posed by DeepSeek are a reminder that the development of AI must go hand in hand with robust regulations and safeguards to ensure that its benefits are shared by all, while its risks are minimized.