Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs has issued a directive advising government departments against the use of DeepSeek's artificial intelligence service, citing serious security concerns. This decision comes amid rising apprehensions regarding the Chinese startup's handling of personal data and its implications for national security. The ministry underscored that the ban aims to mitigate potential information security risks associated with DeepSeek's operations.
DeepSeek, a Chinese company, has recently gained significant traction in the global market, even overtaking the popular AI assistant ChatGPT in downloads from Apple's app store. The rapid rise of DeepSeek has raised alarms, particularly as authorities in France, Italy, and Ireland investigate its use of personal data. Amidst this backdrop, Taiwan remains cautious due to ongoing sovereignty claims made by Beijing over the island.
The Ministry of Digital Affairs released a statement highlighting the potential dangers posed by DeepSeek's AI service. It noted, "DeepSeek's AI service is a Chinese product, and its operation involves cross-border transmission and information leakage and other information security concerns, and is a product that jeopardises the country's information security." This declaration reflects Taiwan's broader strategy to shield itself from perceived threats stemming from Chinese technology.
The success of DeepSeek has not only prompted concerns from Taiwan but has also led to a significant market reaction. Following the surge in DeepSeek's popularity, global investors reacted by dumping US tech stocks, resulting in a staggering US$593 billion loss in Nvidia's market value in just one day—a record decline. This sell-off mirrors the anxieties surrounding Chinese tech advancements and their potential influence on global markets.
In South Korea, the information privacy watchdog is also set to inquire about DeepSeek's user data management practices, indicating a growing international scrutiny of the startup’s operations. As countries grapple with privacy and security issues related to Chinese technology, Taiwan's proactive approach serves as a warning signal regarding the potential ramifications of using such AI services.
Taiwan's government has been under increasing military and political pressure from China, making it imperative for officials to prioritize national security. The decision to ban DeepSeek's AI service underscores the delicate balance that Taiwan seeks to maintain amid external threats while navigating the fast-evolving tech landscape.
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