Government Agencies Impose Restrictions
DeepSeek’s rapid growth attracted international attention, raising privacy and security concerns. South Korean authorities took action after several government agencies banned their staff from installing the app on work devices. As a result, DeepSeek became unavailable for download on Apple’s App Store and Google Play starting Saturday evening. Despite the ban, users who already had DeepSeek on their devices can continue using it. They can also access it via the official website.
Global Concerns About DeepSeek’s Privacy Policy
DeepSeek’s swift rise has not gone unnoticed in other countries. Taiwan and Australia have also restricted the chatbot from government devices. Italy, which briefly banned OpenAI’s ChatGPT in 2023, followed suit with a similar action against DeepSeek. The Italian regulator has urged the app to address privacy issues before being allowed back on app stores. Concerns over how DeepSeek handles user data have triggered these global measures.
US Lawmakers Consider DeepSeek Ban Over Surveillance Fears
In the United States, lawmakers are considering a bill to prevent DeepSeek from being installed on federal devices. State governments, including Texas, Virginia, and New York, have already banned the app on their employees’ devices. These measures stem from worries about potential surveillance and data privacy risks. The app’s Chinese origins have further heightened these concerns. DeepSeek’s massive user base and capabilities have made it a significant point of debate.
The App’s Impact on AI Competitions and Global Markets
DeepSeek’s success in AI development has also sparked discussions about the competition between the US and China. The chatbot’s reasoning abilities are comparable to advanced US models like OpenAI’s GPT-4. Despite this, DeepSeek reportedly incurs significantly lower operational costs to train and run. This efficiency has raised questions about the future of AI development, especially regarding the billions invested by the US in AI infrastructure. DeepSeek’s low-cost model challenges the financial sustainability of rival AI technologies.
Uncertainty Over Future Access
The South Korean government has expressed concern over DeepSeek’s potential impact on the country’s economy. Acting President Choi Sang-mok called the app’s sudden rise a “shock,” noting its potential consequences for various industries. As the investigation continues, authorities have not yet indicated when or if DeepSeek will be allowed back. While the app remains restricted for new downloads, users who already have it can still access its features. However, concerns over data security may continue to affect its long-term availability in South Korea.
China’s DeepSeek AI: A Global Challenge
DeepSeek has become one of the most talked-about AI technologies globally, challenging not only traditional models but also geopolitical boundaries. As countries across the world raise alarms over the app’s data policies, its creators will have to adapt. If it is to continue growing in international markets, DeepSeek will need to address these privacy issues seriously. For now, DeepSeek’s future in many countries remains uncertain. It will likely face more scrutiny as it navigates international regulations and security concerns.
