In recent weeks, a growing number of countries have begun to restrict or outright ban the use of DeepSeek’s artificial intelligence (AI) programme on government devices. These moves, driven primarily by concerns over security and privacy, have sparked a debate about the potential risks of using AI, particularly when it comes from certain jurisdictions. Here’s a look at some of the countries taking action against DeepSeek, as well as the reasons behind their decisions.

Countries Banning DeepSeek

United States

The United States has been at the forefront of this movement. As reported by The Wall Street Journal, U.S. lawmakers are drafting a bill that could block DeepSeek from government-owned devices. NASA took action early, blocking the AI programme from its systems and employees’ devices on January 31. Additionally, the U.S. Navy warned its members a week earlier about using DeepSeek due to potential security and ethical concerns linked to the origins and usage of the software.

South Korea

South Korea has also temporarily banned the use of DeepSeek on government devices. The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy cited security concerns in its decision. The ban was further reinforced by the country’s Personal Information Protection Commission, which on January 31 requested information from DeepSeek on how it handles personal data. Other organizations, such as Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, followed suit, blocking the AI service across their operations.

Australia

Australia’s government made a sweeping move on February 20, announcing a total ban on DeepSeek across all government devices. The Department of Home Affairs issued a statement emphasizing that the ban was necessary to protect national security and interests. The policy mandates that all government agencies prevent the use or installation of DeepSeek, and remove any existing installations from government systems.

Italy

Italy’s response to DeepSeek mirrors that of other European nations in recent months. On January 30, Italy’s Data Protection Authority (Garante) limited DeepSeek’s processing of data from Italian users due to concerns about how the AI software collects and uses personal information. Just days before, the Garante sought clarification on how the company was managing and storing data, raising red flags for privacy advocates.

Taiwan

Taiwan also took action in early February, blocking government departments from using DeepSeek. The reason? Security risks. Taiwan joins other countries in restricting or blocking DeepSeek on the grounds of potential misuse of data and its security implications.

Why Are Countries Blocking DeepSeek?

The primary reason many governments are blocking DeepSeek appears to be concerns about data privacy and security. Most of these countries are wary of the potential risks posed by the AI programme, particularly due to its ties to China, where it is developed.

DeepSeek collects a significant amount of user data, including personal information such as email addresses, phone numbers, passwords, and even chat history. The AI also gathers technical information about users’ devices, such as IP addresses and operating systems. According to the company’s privacy policy, this data is shared with service providers and advertising partners, raising concerns about its usage, particularly in jurisdictions where data privacy laws are not as robust as in Western countries.

Additionally, cybersecurity experts, like Ivan Tsarynny from Feroot Security, have raised alarms about the possibility of DeepSeek secretly sending user data to China. Tsarynny claimed that the AI software has built-in code that can transmit user data to CMPassport.com, a platform linked to China Mobile, a state-owned telecommunications company. Though unverified, such claims have heightened suspicions.

Data Privacy: A Global Concern

The situation with DeepSeek raises larger questions about data privacy and AI. While many tech companies—whether in the U.S. or Europe—collect user data for purposes like targeted advertising or improving algorithms, Chinese companies like DeepSeek are often viewed with more skepticism. This stems from concerns that Chinese laws, such as the National Intelligence Law, could theoretically compel companies to hand over data to the government. As Eddy Borges-Rey, an expert in international security, points out, Western governments are generally more comfortable with regulating local tech companies, while they see Chinese firms as more direct threats to national security.

The Case of ChatGPT

This isn’t the first time a popular AI tool has sparked such concerns. In 2023, ChatGPT found itself in the crosshairs of European regulators over data privacy violations, leading to a temporary ban in Italy. The AI platform was accused of breaching the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). However, after OpenAI addressed the concerns, ChatGPT was restored in Italy.

Beyond Security: Other Concerns About AI

While data security is at the forefront of many discussions around AI tools like DeepSeek, other issues are equally important. Concerns about bias, copyright violations, and the potential for AI to impact original content creation are becoming more widespread. These challenges may not always justify a complete ban, but they highlight the complexity of integrating AI technologies into workplaces and academic environments.

In China, a different form of AI control is in place—by blocking access to Western tech companies like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and even ChatGPT. This reflects a desire to maintain domestic control over information flow and data usage.

Conclusion

The growing number of countries banning or restricting DeepSeek serves as a warning that while AI can offer significant benefits, it also raises crucial questions about security, privacy, and ethical implications. As AI technology continues to evolve, these concerns will only grow more pressing. The balance between embracing innovation and protecting national interests is a challenge that governments around the world will continue to grapple with. Whether these bans are overreactions or prudent precautions remains to be seen, but they certainly signal the increasing scrutiny that AI will face in the years to come.