Australia bans DeepSeek on all government devices and systems, citing security risks. The government says the Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup poses an “unacceptable risk” to national security. The ban applies to all DeepSeek products, applications, and web services.
Why Did Australia Ban DeepSeek?
DeepSeek made headlines in January when it launched a chatbot that performed as well as top US rivals. It also claimed to have a lower training cost. The news shook global markets, causing billions in losses. In Australia, AI-related stocks, including chipmaker Brainchip, saw steep declines.
Despite the app’s Chinese origins, the Australian government insists the decision is based on security risks rather than nationality. Officials are concerned about how DeepSeek handles user data and the potential for misuse.
Who Is Affected by the Ban?
The ban affects all government entities, including:
- The Australian Electoral Commission
- The Bureau of Meteorology
- Other public institutions handling sensitive information
Government workers cannot install, use, or keep DeepSeek on any official system or device. However, the ban does not extend to private citizens. It is unclear whether schools or other public institutions will also be required to remove the app.
Global Concerns Over DeepSeek
Western countries have long been wary of Chinese technology. Huawei and TikTok have both faced restrictions due to security concerns. Initially, DeepSeek appeared to escape similar scrutiny. Former US President Donald Trump even called it a “wake-up call” for the US, praising its cost-saving potential.
But attitudes have shifted. Governments worldwide are now questioning DeepSeek’s data practices. Italy removed the chatbot from app stores over privacy concerns. South Korea, Ireland, and France have launched investigations into its data storage policies. DeepSeek reportedly stores user data on Chinese servers, raising red flags.
The US government is also taking action. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that officials are assessing possible security risks. The US Navy has already banned its personnel from using DeepSeek.
The Risk of AI Chatbots
AI chatbots, including DeepSeek, ChatGPT, and Google Gemini, process and store user inputs to improve their models. They collect data such as email addresses and birth dates. Security experts warn that sensitive or classified information entered into these tools could be retained and analyzed. This is especially concerning for government officials and professionals handling confidential data.
Allegations of Unfair Competition
DeepSeek has also faced accusations of unfairly using US technology. OpenAI has previously complained that rival AI developers, including those in China, are leveraging its research to advance their own models.
Conclusion
Australia’s decision to ban DeepSeek highlights growing concerns over AI security. While the chatbot remains available to the public, government agencies are taking no chances. With investigations underway in multiple countries, DeepSeek’s future in Western markets remains uncertain.
