Global Concerns Rise Over DeepSeek AI Chatbot: Security and Privacy at the Forefront
February 9th 2025
Source: AlJazeera
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI chatbot developed by the startup DeepSeek, has rapidly gained international attention due to its advanced capabilities and cost-effective development. However, its ascent has been accompanied by significant security and privacy concerns, leading several countries to restrict or ban its use on government devices.
In January 2025, DeepSeek released its chatbot, DeepSeek-R1, which quickly became the most-downloaded free app on the iOS App Store in the United States. Despite its technological achievements, the chatbot has faced scrutiny over its data collection practices and potential ties to the Chinese government. Security researchers have identified computer code within DeepSeek's platform that could send user data to China Mobile, a state-owned telecommunications company, raising concerns about user privacy and data security.
In response to these concerns, several governments have taken action. South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy temporarily prohibited DeepSeek on employees' devices, citing security risks. Similarly, the Australian government banned access to DeepSeek on all government devices, emphasizing the need to protect national security. In the United States, Texas became the first state to ban DeepSeek on government devices, with lawmakers proposing federal legislation to extend this ban nationwide.
DeepSeek has responded to these actions by warning of misinformation about its AI chatbot and emphasizing its commitment to user privacy. The company asserts that its data collection practices are transparent and in line with industry standards.
The situation highlights the broader debate over the balance between technological innovation and national security. While DeepSeek's rapid development and deployment demonstrate the potential for cost-effective AI solutions, they also underscore the importance of robust data privacy measures and the need for international cooperation in regulating emerging technologies.
Read the original article at: AlJazeera
