Chinese AI chatbot, ‘DeepSeek’ that took the American markets by storm is alleged of data collection. This has made several countries to take action against the Chinese AI. The chatbot is also under under scrutiny from regulators across the world. Several countries have banned their governments from using the AI technology developed by a Chinese startup. But has India followed suit and banned the Chinese chatbot? Here are the details..
The privacy watchdogs of countries such as Ireland, France, Belgium, and Netherlands have already raised concerns about the DeepSeek app’s data collection practices. US’s Federal federal agencies have instructed its employees against DeepSeek. Additionally Bloomberg reported that the hundreds of companies have requested their enterprise cybersecurity firms suchs as Netskope and Armis to block access to the app.
DeepSeek’s Privacy Policy
DeepSeek’s privacy policy states-“We store the information we collect in secure servers located in the People’s Republic of China,” which has triggered concerns on the individual data.
Has India Banned DeepSeek AI?
India has, however, prohibited the use of all AI tools and applications including ChatGPT and DeepSeek on government office computers and device. The ban was done citing “risks for confidentiality of Govt, data and documents”.
Countries That Have Banned The Use Of DeepSeek AI
Italy: Last month, Italy became one of the first countries to ban DeepSeek’s AI. The app, powered by its AI models V3 and R1, has reportedly vanished from app stores across the country. This action came just days after Italy’s privacy watchdog demanded answers on how the Chinese AI startup handles user data, giving DeepSeek 20 days to respond. The move followed a complaint from the consumer group Euroconsumers, who raised concerns about the AI’s data practices.
US
The American navy has restricted the use of DeepSeek “for any work-related tasks or personal use.” Texas was the first state to ban the Chinese AI app. According to western media reports, “Texas will not allow the Chinese Communist Party to infiltrate our state’s critical infrastructure through data-harvesting AI and social media apps.”
Taiwan
Taiwan had mentioned that the government employees would be prohibited from using DeepSeek, citing the same concerns as that of other countries- the tool could expose sensitive data to Beijing.
Taiwan’s ministry of digital affairs (MODA) has officially classified DeepSeek AI as a Chinese information and communications technology (ICT) product. It warns that the potential data leaks could pose a national security risk. The AI is banned across central and local government agencies, public schools, state-owned enterprises, and affiliated institutions. The restriction also extends to people working on important infrastructure projects and those employed by government-backed foundations.
South Korea
Various news reports suggest that the several ministries and departments within the South Korean government have blocked access to DeepSeek’s AI technology, citing security concerns. This includes the country’s industry ministry, defence ministry, foreign ministry, and the State-run Hydro and Nuclear Power.
Apart from the countries, NASA, Texas have also instructed their employees to copletely restrict the use of DeepSeek. According to a CNBC report, an internal memo was issued by the US space agency stating “DeepSeek and its products and services are not authorized for use with NASA’s data and information or on government-issued devices and networks. [Employees are not authorized to] access DeepSeek via NASA devices and agency-managed network connections.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an order to ban AI software developed by the Chinese companies which said that “Will not allow the Chinese Communist Party to infiltrate our state’s critical infrastructure through data-harvesting AI and social media apps. Texas will continue to protect and defend our state from hostile foreign actors.”
Why DeepSeek Considered To Be A Threat?
The main concern with DeepSeek is that user data could end up in China, where laws require companies to share data with intelligence officials when requested.
According to ABC News reports, DeepSeek have sent shockwaves when it announced it had developed its AI model for far less money than its American competitors, like OpenAI, which have invested billions. Cybersecurity experts claims that, the potential risk DeepSeek poses to national security may be more acute than previously feared because of a potential open door between DeepSeek and the Chinese government.
