DeepSeek: Deep Concerns Or Not?

The emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) company offering powerful and free AI models, has ignited a heated debate across the tech industry. While users are eagerly adopting DeepSeek’s AI Assistant—propelling it to the top of app charts worldwide—government agencies and cybersecurity experts are issuing cautionary warnings. The app’s ties to China have raised alarms about potential national security risks and data privacy concerns.

But are these concerns rooted in genuine cybersecurity threats, or is this another case of geopolitical rivalry and tech nationalism? Let’s explore the underlying risks, the nature of the data collected by DeepSeek, and the potential consequences of its widespread adoption.

What Makes DeepSeek a Security Concern?

DeepSeek’s AI Assistant operates similarly to other chatbot services like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Anthropic’s Claude. It collects and stores user data, ostensibly for service improvement and personalization. However, what differentiates DeepSeek from its Western counterparts is where and how it stores this data. Unlike OpenAI, which operates under U.S. jurisdiction, DeepSeek’s servers are located in China, making it susceptible to Chinese data laws.

China’s cybersecurity regulations grant the government extensive access to company-stored data. This means that, whether DeepSeek intends to or not, it may be compelled to share user data with Chinese authorities. Furthermore, China’s cybercrime landscape poses an additional risk, as malicious actors could exploit this vast repository of personal information.

What Information Does DeepSeek Collect?

DeepSeek, like most online services, has a privacy policy outlining the types of data it gathers. It collects three primary categories of information:

1. User-Provided Information: This includes personal data such as name, email address, uploaded files, and any text input into the chatbot.
2. Automatically Collected Information: DeepSeek gathers metadata such as device type, IP address, cookies, browsing habits, and even payment details.
3. Third-Party Data: Information from external services like Google or Apple login systems, as well as analytics and advertising companies, may also be incorporated.

At first glance, this is similar to the data collection practices of OpenAI and other Western AI companies. However, the key issue is not what data is collected, but where it is stored and who has access to it.

How is This Data Used?

DeepSeek states that the collected information is used for:

• Improving its services and enforcing terms of use
• Communicating with users and analyzing user engagement
• Compliance with legal obligations and tasks deemed to be in the public interest

The company also reserves the right to share user data with third parties, including advertising firms, analytics companies, and public authorities such as law enforcement or copyright agencies. Additionally, DeepSeek does not set a clear expiration date on data retention, keeping it “for as long as necessary.”

Again, while these practices are not unique to DeepSeek, the primary concern is that China’s regulatory environment lacks the data protection guarantees found in the U.S. and Europe. This opens the door to increased surveillance and potential misuse of sensitive information.

Why Are Governments Alarmed?

Authorities in the U.S. and Australia are closely examining DeepSeek due to its potential national security implications. Several factors contribute to their concerns:

1. Risk of Data Exploitation

China has a well-documented history of leveraging data for intelligence-gathering purposes. U.S. officials fear that DeepSeek’s access to vast amounts of user data could be exploited for espionage or cyber operations. Even if the company itself is not complicit, state actors or cybercriminal networks could compromise its systems.

2. Cybercrime Vulnerabilities

China ranks among the top three most cybercrime-prone countries, alongside Russia and Ukraine. DeepSeek’s data storage practices may expose users to targeted phishing attacks, identity theft, or financial fraud. If cybercriminals obtain personal information from DeepSeek’s servers, they could use it to craft convincing attacks aimed at extracting even more sensitive data.

3. Legal Implications of Chinese Data Laws

Unlike Western nations, China enforces strict data localization policies, requiring companies to store user data within its borders. Under the Cybersecurity Law and Data Security Law, Chinese authorities have the legal right to access any company’s data for reasons of national security. This means that foreign users’ data could be accessed by the Chinese government without their knowledge or consent.

4. The Broader Geopolitical Landscape

The U.S. has taken aggressive steps against Chinese tech companies in the past, including TikTok and Huawei, citing national security threats. DeepSeek is the latest in a line of Chinese firms facing scrutiny, and it is likely that Western governments will continue to issue restrictions or guidance on its use.

Should You Download DeepSeek?

Given the risks, should you download and use DeepSeek? The answer depends on your awareness of digital security and the sensitivity of the information you plan to share.

• Tech-Savvy Users: If you are well-versed in online privacy and cautious about sharing personal details, you may be able to use DeepSeek safely. However, you should avoid inputting sensitive data and consider using a VPN to mask your IP address.
• Casual Users: If you are not familiar with cybersecurity risks, it is advisable to avoid DeepSeek altogether. There are alternative chatbot services—such as ChatGPT, Claude, or Google’s Gemini—that offer similar capabilities without the additional security concerns.
• Corporate or Government Users: Businesses and government agencies should be especially wary of using DeepSeek due to potential data security risks. Employees could inadvertently share sensitive information that might be intercepted or misused.

The Future of AI Security Regulations

DeepSeek’s rise to prominence highlights a broader issue: AI-based services are becoming central to daily life, yet regulatory frameworks for their use remain inconsistent. Governments have traditionally focused cybersecurity efforts on banks, telecoms, and social media platforms. However, chatbots and AI tools are now handling vast amounts of personal and corporate data, making them equally critical security concerns.

Moving forward, policymakers must consider:

• Implementing clear guidelines on AI data storage and cross-border data transfers.
• Developing international cybersecurity cooperation agreements to mitigate AI-related risks.
• Educating users on AI-related privacy concerns and best practices for data security.

Final Thoughts

DeepSeek represents both an exciting technological advancement and a serious cybersecurity dilemma. While its AI capabilities are impressive, the risks associated with its data storage and potential governmental access cannot be ignored. Users must make informed choices about their digital privacy, and governments must establish clear policies to address the growing security challenges posed by AI.

Ultimately, the debate around DeepSeek underscores a larger question: How do we balance AI innovation with security in an increasingly interconnected world?