DeepSeek's AI: Rising Star or Global Threat?

Examining the Growing Backlash and Security Concerns

In just a few days since its release on January 20, DeepSeek’s AI chatbot, founded by Liang Wenfeng, has already gained significant attention. DeepSeek has been making quite a splash online!?

This Chinese AI app recently gained attention for its success in financial markets, especially after revealing that it was built for just $6 million, far less than what tech giants like OpenAI and Google have spent.?

But along with its rapid rise, it’s also facing challenges, with bans in several countries and companies. A Bloomberg report also says that hundreds of companies have asked cybersecurity firms like Netskope and Armis to block it.

To get a better understanding, let's dive deep into the potential threat of using this app and scrutinize each dimension of this in more detail.

The Underlying Problem

DeepSeek’s privacy policy states that all user data is stored on secure servers in China. However, the biggest concern is that Chinese laws could require the company to share this data with the government.?

According to one study, there are serious concerns about DeepSeek-R1’s performance. It found that the app is more likely to generate harmful, biased, and insecure content compared to other models. In fact, DeepSeek-R1 was 11 times more likely to produce harmful output than OpenAI’s model.

The study also revealed that 83% of bias tests resulted in discriminatory content, with issues around race, gender, health, and religion.

On top of that, cybersecurity is another major worry. The study showed that 78% of tests managed to trick DeepSeek into generating insecure or malicious code.

Researchers also found that an exposed DeepSeek database had chat histories and sensitive information online. Given that the company is based in China, the concern is that Chinese intelligence agencies could access all this data due to the country’s National Intelligence Law.

How Are Agencies Across the United States Articulating Their Perspectives on This?

Various agencies in the United States have expressed serious concerns about DeepSeek’s AI, leading to restrictions on its use:

1. US Congress: Members of Congress have been warned against using DeepSeek’s tech due to security risks. The House of Representatives has taken steps to limit the app’s functionality on all House-issued devices, and staff are prohibited from installing DeepSeek apps on their official devices, citing concerns about malicious software and device infections.
2. US Navy: The US Navy has banned the use of DeepSeek’s apps and AI technology by its personnel, citing potential security and ethical concerns. Members are instructed not to use DeepSeek’s AI for work or personal tasks and are prohibited from downloading or installing the app.
3. Pentagon: DeepSeek’s technologies have been blocked within the Pentagon since January. Concerns were raised after defense officials noticed unauthorized use of DeepSeek’s app. However, Pentagon personnel can still access DeepSeek AI through a secure platform, Ask Sage, which ensures data is not stored on China-based servers.
4. NASA: NASA has also prohibited the use of DeepSeek’s products and services on its devices and networks. An internal memo clarified that employees are not authorized to access DeepSeek via NASA devices or agency-managed network connections due to security concerns.

Citing these concerns raised by top agencies in the United States, various countries have already taken major steps to counter the risks posed by DeepSeek's AI. Let’s take a closer look:

Countries Worldwide Ban DeepSeek’s AI Over Security Concerns?

DeepSeek’s AI is facing growing backlash around the world, with multiple countries taking action over concerns about data privacy and national security. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Italy: Just last month, Italy became one of the first to ban DeepSeek’s AI. The country’s? privacy watchdog raised concerns over how the app handles user data, and after DeepSeek failed to respond to an inquiry, it was removed from app stores.
2. Taiwan: Taiwan followed suit, banning DeepSeek’s AI in government agencies over national security concerns. The government warned that using the app could lead to cross-border data transmission and potential leaks of sensitive information, especially in critical infrastructure.
3. Australia: In Australia, government workers have been prohibited from using DeepSeek’s AI due to security risks. A mandate was issued to remove the app from government systems, although private citizens are not impacted by the ban.
4. Texas (United States): Texas has made headlines as the first state in the U.S. to ban DeepSeek’s AI, citing national security concerns. Governor Greg Abbott signed an order preventing the app’s use on state-issued devices, fearing that the Chinese Communist Party could access sensitive data. Abbott emphasized that Texas would not allow the Chinese government to infiltrate the state’s critical infrastructure and personal information through data-harvesting AI and social media apps.

Data protection authorities in Belgium, France and Ireland are all investigating the way DeepSeek handles the personal information of its citizens, hinting that a ban may be possible in those countries. South Korea and India have also signaled that action may be taken against DeepSeek due to potential privacy and security infringements.

These bans are part of a broader movement against DeepSeek’s technology, as concerns about its data storage practices and potential ties to the Chinese government continue to grow worldwide.

Unpredictable Path?

DeepSeek’s AI is gaining attention, but not all for the right reasons. With growing bans and security concerns, its future remains uncertain. Whether it can overcome these challenges or face more restrictions is yet to be seen.

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