DeepSeek, the Chinese AI company, has been raising concerns among regulators around the world. The company’s viral AI models and chatbot apps have been banned by several countries and government bodies due to concerns over ethics, privacy, and security practices.
Corporations’ Concerns
Corporations have also been wary of using DeepSeek’s technology, with hundreds reportedly banning its use. The biggest worry is potential data leakage to the Chinese government, as DeepSeek’s privacy policy states that the company stores all user data in China, where local laws require organizations to share data with intelligence officials upon request.
Global Ban
As the list of regions where DeepSeek’s apps are no longer available grows, we will continue to update this roundup. Included below are the public sector departments that have prohibited DeepSeek technology.
Italy
Italy became one of the first countries to ban DeepSeek following an investigation by the country’s privacy watchdog into DeepSeek’s handling of personal data. In late January, Italy’s Data Protection Authority (DPA) launched an investigation into DeepSeek’s data collection practices and compliance with the GDPR, the EU law that governs how personal data is retained and processed in EU territories. The DPA gave DeepSeek 20 days to respond to questions about how and where the company stores user data and what it uses this data for. DeepSeek claimed its apps didn’t call under the jurisdiction of EU law, but Italy’s DPA disagreed and took steps to remove DeepSeek’s apps from the Apple and Google app stores in Italy.
Taiwan
Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs said that DeepSeek "endangers national information security" and has banned government agencies from using the company’s AI. In a statement, the Taiwan ministry said that public sector workers and critical infrastructure facilities run the risk of "cross-border transmission and information leakage" by using DeepSeek’s technology. The Taiwanese government’s ban applies to employees of government agencies as well as public schools and state-owned enterprises. "DeepSeek AI service is a Chinese product," the Ministry of Digital Affairs’ statement reads. "Its operation involves [several] information security concerns."
U.S. Congress
U.S. congressional offices have reportedly been warned not to use DeepSeek tech. The House’s chief administrative officer (CAO), which provides support services and business solutions to the House of Representatives, sent a notice to congressional offices indicating that DeepSeek’s technology is "under review." The notice said that "threat actors are already exploiting DeepSeek to deliver malicious software and infect devices." To mitigate these risks, the House has taken security measures to restrict DeepSeek’s functionality on all House-issued devices.
Texas
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an order banning software from DeepSeek and other Chinese companies from government-issued devices in the state. In a statement, Abbott said that Texas "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."
U.S. Navy
The U.S. Navy has instructed its members not to use DeepSeek apps or technology, according to CNBC. In late January, the Navy sent an email prohibiting service members from using DeepSeek products "in any capacity" due to "potential security and ethical concerns associated with the tech’s origin and usage." The email said that it is "imperative" that members do not use DeepSeek’s AI "for any work-related tasks or personal use" and "refrain from downloading, installing, or using [DeepSeek AI]."
Pentagon
The Pentagon has blocked access to DeepSeek technologies, but not before some staff accessed them, Bloomberg reported. The Defense Information Systems Agency, which is responsible for the Pentagon’s IT networks, moved to ban DeepSeek’s website in January, according to Bloomberg. The decision is said to have come after defense officials raised concerns that Pentagon workers were using DeepSeek’s applications without authorization.
NASA
NASA has also banned employees from using DeepSeek tech. According to CNBC, the agency’s chief AI officer sent a memo informing personnel that DeepSeek’s servers operate outside the U.S., raising national security concerns. The memo said that "DeepSeek and its products and services are not authorized for use with NASA’s data and information or on government-issued devices and networks." NASA has blocked use of DeepSeek apps on "agency-managed devices and networks," CNBC reports.
Conclusion
DeepSeek’s technology has raised significant concerns among regulators, corporations, and government bodies around the world. As the list of banned regions continues to grow, it is clear that the company’s practices have not met the standards of transparency and security. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it is crucial that companies prioritize user data privacy and security to build trust with consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why has DeepSeek been banned in several countries and government bodies?
A: DeepSeek has been banned due to concerns over the company’s ethics, privacy, and security practices.
Q: What is the main worry about DeepSeek’s technology?
A: The biggest worry is potential data leakage to the Chinese government, as DeepSeek’s privacy policy states that the company stores all user data in China.
Q: Has DeepSeek been banned in the United States?
A: Yes, DeepSeek has been banned by the U.S. Congress, Texas, U.S. Navy, Pentagon, and NASA.
Q: Why have corporations banned DeepSeek’s technology?
A: Corporations have banned DeepSeek’s technology due to concerns over potential data leakage and national security risks.
