DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, has raised alarms around the globe due to its controversial privacy and security practices. The company’s chatbot apps and AI models have been banned in several countries and regions, with regulators pointing to concerns over data privacy, national security, and potential links to the Chinese government.

The primary issue revolves around the company’s privacy policy, which stipulates that all user data is stored in China. Local laws in China require companies to share user data with the government when requested. This has led to widespread fears that DeepSeek’s apps could be used for espionage or data harvesting, particularly given the company’s ties to the Chinese government.

Countries like Italy, Taiwan, and the U.S. have taken action against DeepSeek. In January, Italy’s Data Protection Authority (DPA) launched an investigation into the company’s data handling practices, particularly its compliance with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). As a result, DeepSeek's apps were removed from the Apple and Google stores in Italy. Despite DeepSeek’s claims that its apps don’t fall under EU jurisdiction, the DPA disagreed, resulting in the ban.

Taiwan has also taken a firm stance against DeepSeek, with the Ministry of Digital Affairs citing national security concerns. Taiwan’s government has banned DeepSeek from use within critical infrastructure, government offices, and public schools, fearing potential leaks of sensitive information.

The U.S. followed suit. U.S. Congress, the state of Texas, and the U.S. military have all issued restrictions on DeepSeek’s technology. In January, the House of Representatives warned congressional offices not to use DeepSeek’s AI products, with concerns over potential malicious software being delivered via DeepSeek apps. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a statewide ban on DeepSeek and other Chinese tech on government-issued devices, citing national security threats. The U.S. Navy and the Pentagon have also blocked access to DeepSeek, with concerns ranging from the app’s origins to the potential risk of data leakage.

NASA has joined the ranks of government bodies banning DeepSeek technology, citing concerns that the AI’s servers are based outside the U.S. and could compromise national security. According to a memo from the agency’s chief AI officer, DeepSeek’s products are not authorized for use on NASA devices or networks.

As the number of countries and government entities banning DeepSeek continues to rise, the AI company faces increasing scrutiny. While DeepSeek has yet to respond to some of the concerns raised, it remains to be seen how this growing backlash will impact its future in the global market.

SOURCE: TECHCRUNCH | PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

This article was created with AI assistance.