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DeepSeek's AI Under Fire: Government Agencies and Countries Raising Concerns

In recent weeks, the Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has found itself under scrutiny from regulators around the world. With the viral popularity of their AI models and chatbot app, concerns have emerged regarding user data safety and the potential for unwanted government surveillance.

Data Safety Risks and Government Backlash

India's Finance Ministry

India's Department of Expenditure has called for employees to avoid using any AI tools or apps in office devices due to the potential risks to government data and documents. Notably, the communication also listed DeepSeek as one of the AI tools to avoid.

US Federal Agencies

Multiple federal agencies in the US have instructed employees to avoid accessing DeepSeek and its AI app. According to a Bloomberg report, hundreds of companies have requested that enterprise cybersecurity firms like Netskope and Armis block access to DeepSeek's AI app.

DeepSeek's Chinese Connections

One of the significant concerns with DeepSeek is the likelihood that user data could be shared with the Chinese government. As data privacy regulations in China require companies to share data with local intelligence agencies, the potential for sensitive information to wind up in the wrong hands remains high.

Mitigating Data Privacy Concerns

As DeepSeek's AI app garners increased attention from governments and regulatory bodies, the Indian government is considering a solution to address data privacy concerns. Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, mentioned that hosting DeepSeek's open-source AI models on Indian servers could help quell the issues.

Countries Banning DeepSeek's AI

Italy

Last month, Italy became one of the first countries to ban the use of DeepSeek's AI chatbot app. The decision came after the Italian Data Protection Agency (DPA) sought information from DeepSeek on their handling of user data.

Taiwan

Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs has banned government agencies, public schools, and state-owned enterprises from using the company's AI, citing national information security concerns.

Australia

The Australian government has prohibited its employees from installing or using DeepSeek's AI app due to security concerns. The ban does not extend to the country's private citizens.

Agencies Prohibiting and Blocking DeepSeek's AI

Union Finance Ministry

India's Finance Ministry has issued an advisory to employees, warning against the use of AI tools and apps such as DeepSeek and ChatGPT in office devices due to data safety risks.

US Congress and US Navy

Members of the US Congress have received a warning regarding DeepSeek, with concerns over threat actors exploiting the app to deliver malicious software. Meanwhile, the US Navy has directed its members not to use the AI technology, citing potential security and ethical concerns.

Pentagon and NASA

The Pentagon has reportedly blocked access to DeepSeek's AI since January, while NASA has banned the usage of the app and its products on government-issued devices and networks.

As DeepSeek's AI continues to gain traction, it is crucial to address the security and privacy concerns raised by various governments and organizations. By implementing solutions such as hosting open-source models on local servers, the company may be able to alleviate some of the concerns, allowing its technology to thrive in a safer environment for all parties involved.

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Last updated on March 15, 2025