DeepSeek, a Chinese AI chatbot launched in May 2023, has become the center of a global debate over privacy and national security. Utilizing less-advanced H800 chips, the chatbot has sparked concerns despite its reliance on technology permitted under US export controls until 2023. The app's privacy policy, which collects data on "key stroke patterns or rhythms," has raised alarms among international authorities. As a result, several countries have imposed bans, citing security risks and potential data misuse.
The Italian Data Protection Authority was among the first to ban DeepSeek, citing security concerns. South Korea followed suit, prohibiting the application from military and work computers across key ministries, including defense and unification. The United States has seen state-level bans in Texas, Virginia, and New York, with Australia quickly joining in, enforcing similar restrictions. Taiwan has also taken precautionary measures, banning public sector workers and key infrastructure facilities from using the app while reviewing its data handling practices.
"In China when the government requests access, companies are legally obligated to provide user data," stated Youm Heung-youl, a data security professor at Soonchunhyang University.
The concern over DeepSeek's operations is further fueled by its policy of aligning with the "core values of socialism." This has led to apprehensions about its alignment with Chinese governmental interests. Isabel Hou of the Taiwan AI Academy noted that DeepSeek applies the same set of rules when offering services internationally, raising questions about its potential influence on global data privacy norms.
"Have a policy of aligning with the core values of socialism," remarked Isabel Hou, Taiwanese AI expert and secretary-general of Taiwan AI Academy.
The US has proposed a federal bill to ban DeepSeek on government devices, emphasizing national security threats posed by the app. Texas Governor Greg Abbott highlighted the necessity to protect against "malicious espionage operations by the Chinese Communist Party." Meanwhile, Beijing maintains that it "will never require enterprises or individuals to illegally collect or store data."
"Must be protected from malicious espionage operations by the Chinese Communist Party," asserted Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Despite using H800 chips, which are not considered cutting-edge semiconductors, DeepSeek's performance has intrigued experts. Park Ki-soon from Sungkyunkwan University suggested that this indicates the potential of achieving significant outcomes with general semiconductors provided the software is robust.
"If DeepSeek really used H800, it means that even without cutting-edge semiconductors, similar outcomes could be achieved with general semiconductors, as long as the software is good," explained Park Ki-soon, a professor of Chinese economics at Sungkyunkwan University.
China's significant investment in research and development over recent years underscores its commitment to advancing its technological capabilities. This investment has increased more than 11-fold over the past decade, reflecting China's strategic focus on technology as a critical component of its economic and geopolitical influence.
"Countries like the US and China are investing massive amounts of talent and resources into software development," noted Park Ki-soon.
"Provide support to foster this growth," added Park Ki-soon.
DeepSeek's case exemplifies the growing tension between technological innovation and regulatory oversight as countries grapple with balancing privacy concerns and digital advancement. The ongoing scrutiny from Taiwan is indicative of a broader trend where nations are evaluating foreign technology through a lens of national interest and security.
"But we find that DeepSeek actually uses the same set of rules when providing services overseas," observed Isabel Hou.
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