DeepSeek, the Chinese AI company behind the DeepSeek-R1 model, is facing increasing international scrutiny just a week after its impressive debut. The company’s competitive pricing and performance, rivaling established American AI offerings, have triggered investigations and restrictions in several countries.
International Investigations and Restrictions
Italy’s Data Protection Authority has taken the lead, issuing a restraining order against both Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence and Beijing DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence. The watchdog cited concerns over a lack of transparency regarding data collection, processing, and storage practices, specifically questioning whether user data is being sent to servers in China. DeepSeek access has been blocked in Italy pending the investigation.
Similar anxieties are echoing across the globe. Taiwan’s digital ministry has advised government officials against DeepSeek use due to potential data leakage. South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission is set to question DeepSeek about its data management practices. France’s National Commission for Information Technology and Civil Liberties, Belgium’s data protection authority, and Ireland’s Data Protection Commission are also launching investigations into DeepSeek’s data handling, citing potential GDPR violations and requesting further information.
US Concerns and Economic Implications
The United States, meanwhile, is investigating whether DeepSeek utilized restricted American-made chips, prohibited for export to China, according to Reuters. This focus reflects concerns about the potential impact of DeepSeek’s success on American tech giants like Nvidia, whose stock price dipped following DeepSeek’s launch. The meeting between Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and former President Trump further underscores the US government’s interest in protecting domestic AI companies from foreign competition.
Data Privacy Concerns and User Recommendations
The global scrutiny of DeepSeek’s data practices is not unfounded. A report by Wiz Research revealed an exposed DeepSeek database containing chat histories and other sensitive user information. Wired also reported that the app transmits US user data to servers in China. These findings raise serious questions about user privacy and security.
Conclusion
The rapid rise of DeepSeek has brought with it a wave of international investigations and concerns. While the company’s competitive offering is disruptive, questions surrounding data privacy, security, and potential regulatory violations remain unanswered. For users concerned about the security of their personal information, exercising caution with all AI apps, regardless of their origin, is advisable.
