DeepSeek AI Faces Global Scrutiny as Security Concerns Mount

DeepSeek’s rapid rise to prominence has triggered heightened regulatory scrutiny, with governments worldwide assessing the security risks associated with the Chinese AI app. Just days after gaining widespread popularity, DeepSeek has already been banned from being used by government in multiple countries, including Italy and Australia, due to concerns over data privacy and national security. Meanwhile, privacy regulators in Ireland, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands have raised alarms over the app’s data collection practices.

South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy has also taken precautionary measures, temporarily restricting employee access to DeepSeek over security concerns. In the United States, lawmakers have voiced apprehensions about the app’s potential national security implications. Senator Josh Hawley recently introduced a bill that, if passed, would prohibit individuals in the U.S. from using DeepSeek or engaging with other Chinese-built AI technologies. Violations of the proposed legislation could result in penalties as severe as $1 million in fines and imprisonment.

Countries That Have Banned DeepSeek AI

Italy

Italy was among the first nations to prohibit DeepSeek AI, citing significant concerns about user data protection. In late January, the country’s Data Protection Authority, Garante, launched an investigation into DeepSeek’s compliance with EU data protection laws. Regulators determined that DeepSeek’s response to the inquiry was inadequate, prompting Italian authorities to block access to the app and remove it from Apple and Google app stores.

In an official statement, regulators disclosed that DeepSeek had asserted it did not operate in Italy and claimed that European legislation did not apply to its services. However, the Data Protection Authority proceeded with both a processing limitation order and a formal investigation into the company’s practices.

Taiwan

Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs has also prohibited the use of DeepSeek AI within government agencies, extending the ban to state-owned businesses and public schools. The ministry justified its decision by stating that DeepSeek, as a Chinese-developed product, posed risks related to cross-border data transmission and potential information leaks.

Regulators emphasized that the app’s operation involved multiple cybersecurity concerns, reinforcing the government’s stance on safeguarding national information security.

Australia

Australia has similarly barred government employees from using DeepSeek AI due to security risks. The decision followed a directive from the Department of Home Affairs, which ordered the removal and prevention of DeepSeek products across all government systems and devices.

While the restriction does not extend to private citizens, the Minister of Home Affairs urged Australians to be vigilant about their online data security and exercise caution in their digital interactions. The Home Affairs Secretary justified the ban by stating that, after conducting a thorough risk assessment, the use of DeepSeek products, applications, and web services was deemed an unacceptable security threat to the Australian government.

As more countries reevaluate their policies on Chinese-built AI technologies, DeepSeek continues to face mounting regulatory challenges, with further restrictions likely to follow.

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