DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) app, is making waves internationally for its exceptional performance in matching or surpassing industry-leading counterparts in the United States. Founded by Liang Wenfeng, the app has integrated into various sectors across China, including telecommunications, automotive, and finance. The integration of DeepSeek's AI models by China's "Big Three" telecom operators—China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom—into their cloud services signifies the app's widespread acceptance and utility. Additionally, over a dozen automakers, such as BYD and Leapmotor, have announced plans to develop vehicles equipped with DeepSeek AI features. The app's adoption is not confined to the private sector; it has also been embraced by at least 20 Chinese brokers and fund managers to enhance business operations.
The app has proven to be a transformative tool across multiple sectors, significantly improving efficiency. In government affairs, finance, and telecommunications, DeepSeek's cost-effective AI models have made it affordable for use in various applications. Notably, the app has reduced the time required for personalized content generation from five days to a mere few minutes. Similarly, it has cut audit times by 90% while achieving over 95% accuracy in document formatting. This technological advancement has improved work efficiency and reduced burdens at the grassroots level in public management.
Shenzhen's Futian district recently rolled out its first batch of "AI civil servants" based on DeepSeek's R1 model, indicating local governments across China are also embracing this technology. Several cities have integrated the app into their online government services, further demonstrating its potential to revolutionize public administration.
Despite these advancements, concerns about job security have emerged among Chinese workers. The hashtag "ask DeepSeek whether my job will be taken" has gained traction on the microblogging site Weibo, amassing nearly 7.2 million views. This reflects widespread anxiety about AI's potential impact on employment. Wang Peng, a researcher at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, asserts that fears of AI entirely replacing human jobs are unfounded, at least for now.
“Since we can’t stop the AI wave, guess we’ll have to embrace it. I think everyone should really try out jobs related to AI, after all it’s not going away anytime soon.”
The integration of DeepSeek into various industries underscores its role in enhancing operational efficiency and streamlining processes. In finance, its deployment has enabled brokers and fund managers to optimize their workflows. Meanwhile, in telecommunications, the app has facilitated superior customer service and operational enhancements through its cost-effective models.
Automakers have also recognized the potential of DeepSeek AI features in developing advanced vehicle technologies. By incorporating AI models into their vehicles, companies like BYD and Leapmotor are positioning themselves at the forefront of innovation in the automotive industry.
While these technological advancements promise significant benefits, they also raise questions about job displacement. The introduction of AI civil servants in Shenzhen's Futian district illustrates the potential for AI to transform traditional roles within public administration. As local governments continue to integrate DeepSeek into their services, employees face uncertainties about their future roles.
“I thought in the age of AI, an ‘iron rice bowl’ would remain an ‘iron rice bowl’. But I didn’t realise the launch of an AI civil servant would thoroughly change my views, and it looks like now no job is safe,”
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