DeepSeek: A Global Ban on Chinese AI

The Chinese AI company DeepSeek has faced a wave of regulatory actions and bans from various countries and agencies due to concerns over data privacy, security, and ethical practices. As the company's AI models and chatbot apps gain popularity, so do the worries about their potential impact on national security and user data.



Italy became one of the first countries to ban DeepSeek following an investigation by its privacy watchdog into the company's handling of personal data. The Italian Data Protection Authority (DPA) launched an investigation into DeepSeek's data collection practices and compliance with the GDPR. The DPA ordered the removal of DeepSeek's apps from the Apple and Google app stores in Italy, citing potential high risks to the data of millions of people in the country.

Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs has also banned government agencies from using DeepSeek, stating that it "endangers national information security" and could lead to "cross-border transmission and information leakage." The Taiwanese government's ban applies to employees of government agencies as well as public schools and state-owned enterprises.

The U.S. Navy has instructed its members not to use DeepSeek apps or technology due to "potential security and ethical concerns associated with the [tech’s] origin[s] and usage." The Pentagon has blocked access to DeepSeek technologies, but not before some staff accessed them. The Defense Information Systems Agency moved to ban DeepSeek's website in January, following concerns that Pentagon workers were using the company's applications without authorization.

NASA has also banned employees from using DeepSeek tech, citing national security concerns. The agency's chief AI officer informed personnel that DeepSeek's servers operate outside the U.S., raising concerns about data privacy and security.

The U.S. House's chief administrative officer sent a notice to congressional offices indicating that DeepSeek's technology is "under review" due to concerns about threat actors exploiting DeepSeek to deliver malicious software and infect devices. The CAO has prohibited staffers from installing DeepSeek applications on any official smartphones, computers, or tablets.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an order banning software from DeepSeek and other Chinese companies from government-issued devices in the state. Abbott stated that Texas "will not allow the Chinese Communist Party to infiltrate our state’s critical infrastructure through data-harvesting AI and social media apps."

The regulatory actions against DeepSeek have raised concerns about the company's data handling practices and the potential for data leakage to the Chinese government. As the list of regions where DeepSeek's apps are no longer available grows, it remains to be seen how the company will address these concerns and regain the trust of users and regulators.