Global Governments Tighten Restrictions on DeepSeek AI Amid Escalating Privacy Concerns
After Micro News's initial report, we are learning that governments worldwide are imposing strict limitations on the use of DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence chatbot that has rapidly gained popularity since its launch in late January 2025. The crackdown comes as privacy watchdogs and cybersecurity experts raise alarms over the app's data collection practices and potential national security risks.
DeepSeek, which quickly rose to prominence and even surpassed OpenAI's ChatGPT in Apple's App Store rankings, now faces a barrage of restrictions and bans across multiple countries. The concerns stem from the app's extensive data collection policies and its obligation to comply with Chinese laws that require companies to share data with local intelligence agencies.
Italy took the lead in addressing these concerns when its Data Protection Authority ordered a nationwide ban on DeepSeek on January 28, 2025. The Italian regulators cited the need to investigate the app's data management practices following complaints from consumer advocacy groups. This swift action set a precedent for other nations to follow suit.
In the Asia-Pacific region, several countries have taken decisive steps to limit DeepSeek's reach. Australia implemented an immediate ban on all DeepSeek products across government systems and devices on February 4, 2025. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasized the potential national security risks as the primary motivation behind the decision.
South Korea has also joined the growing list of countries restricting access to DeepSeek. On February 6, 2025, multiple government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, blocked access to the AI platform. These ministries, which handle sensitive diplomatic and trade-related information, acted in response to broader government concerns about potential data leaks when using generative AI technologies.
The South Korean government's actions were not isolated, as major corporations in the country, such as Kakao, LG Uplus, and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, independently imposed restrictions or outright bans on DeepSeek due to security concerns. The Personal Information Protection Commission of South Korea has requested clarification from DeepSeek regarding its data collection and storage policies, but as of February 9, 2025, the company has yet to respond.
In Taiwan, the Ministry of Digital Affairs has banned DeepSeek, stating that the app could pose a threat to national information security. "The DeepSeek AI service is a Chinese product," the ministry declared. "Its operation involves cross-border transmission and information leakage".
The United States has also begun to take action against DeepSeek, although the response has been more fragmented. While there is no federal ban in place, individual government agencies and states have started to implement their own restrictions. The U.S. Navy and NASA have both banned their personnel from using DeepSeek, citing security and ethical risks.
Texas became the first U.S. state to prohibit the use of DeepSeek on state-issued devices, with Governor Greg Abbott asserting, "Texas will not allow the Chinese Communist Party to infiltrate our state agencies". This move may set a precedent for other states to follow.
The restrictions on DeepSeek are not limited to government use. Many private companies, particularly those dealing with sensitive information or government contracts, are also blocking access to the AI tool. According to reports from cybersecurity firms, hundreds of entities are taking steps to prevent potential data leaks.
Nadir Izrael, Chief Technology Officer at Armis Inc., noted that a significant number of organizations, especially those with government connections, are blocking DeepSeek's access due to concerns about data potentially being siphoned off to the Chinese government. Similarly, Ray Canzanese, director of Netskope's threat labs, reported that over half of their clients are taking similar actions, with approximately 52% choosing to block access entirely.
The primary concern revolves around DeepSeek's privacy terms, which explicitly state that all data is collected and stored on servers in China. This means that any legal disputes would fall under Chinese jurisdiction, raising fears about the potential exposure of sensitive information to Chinese authorities.
As the situation continues to evolve, the future of DeepSeek in the global market remains uncertain. Cybersecurity experts predict that the app could surpass 10 million downloads by the end of 2025, but its intensifying data collection practices, including the gathering of chat logs and API keys, may raise new privacy concerns.
The mounting restrictions and bans could significantly impact DeepSeek's global expansion plans. If the company fails to address the growing privacy and security concerns, it may face a fate similar to that of TikTok, which has struggled with regulatory challenges in multiple countries.
As governments and organizations worldwide grapple with the implications of AI technology on privacy and national security, the DeepSeek controversy serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust international regulations and transparency in AI development and deployment. The coming months will likely see further developments in this ongoing saga, as countries continue to assess the risks and benefits of emerging AI technologies in an increasingly interconnected world.
