DeepSeek Faces Service Disruptions and Restricts New Account Sign-Ups Amid "Large-Scale Malicious Attacks"
DeepSeek, a Chinese firm, has been grappling with service disruptions and restricting new account sign-ups to combat what it describes as "large-scale malicious attacks." The company’s chat app, which recently soared to the top of Apple’s App Store, issued a notice on its website stating that only users with China-based phone numbers (+86) would be permitted to register for the foreseeable future.
Background and Impact
The notice stated that DeepSeek’s online services have recently faced large-scale malicious attacks. To ensure continued service, registration is temporarily limited to +86 phone numbers. Existing users can log in as usual. As of writing, sign-ups have reopened with a warning that "registration may be busy" and to please wait and try again.
DeepSeek’s Rise to Prominence
DeepSeek has quickly become a disruptive force in the race for AI supremacy. In addition to gaining widespread user adoption, the app’s powerful open-source AI model has sparked waves of concern among US-based Big Tech firms. The app’s strength lies in its ability to deliver robust AI performance on less-advanced chips, creating a more cost-effective and accessible solution compared to high-profile rivals such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Industry Reaction
Nigel Green, CEO of global financial advisory firm deVere Group, commented on the situation, stating that China’s technological advances, particularly in AI, are eroding the US’s ability to use tariffs as a tool to maintain global supremacy. He highlighted the potential for non-traditional players and regions to seize the AI crown, emphasizing that traditional tech giants are no longer the guaranteed winners.
Conclusion
DeepSeek’s struggles highlight the growing pains that can accompany explosive growth. Despite the challenges, existing users remain unaffected in terms of access. The company’s ability to deliver competitive AI capabilities on less-advanced hardware could mark a significant turning point in the global AI landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is DeepSeek?
A: DeepSeek is a Chinese firm that has developed a powerful open-source AI model and a chat app that has gained widespread user adoption.
Q: What is the reason for the service disruptions and restrictions on new account sign-ups?
A: DeepSeek is facing large-scale malicious attacks, and the company is taking measures to ensure continued service by limiting registration to +86 phone numbers.
Q: Will existing users be affected by the service disruptions?
A: No, existing users can log in as usual and will not be affected by the service disruptions.
Q: What is the significance of DeepSeek’s rise to prominence in the AI landscape?
A: DeepSeek’s ability to deliver robust AI performance on less-advanced chips has sparked concern among US-based Big Tech firms and highlights the potential for non-traditional players and regions to seize the AI crown.
