DeepSeek is a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) company that has been facing backlash from regulators and governments across the globe. Its popular AI models and chatbot applications are being banned in an increasing number of countries due to serious concerns surrounding the company’s ethical practices, how it handles privacy, and issues related to security.
Many major companies have also decided to stop using DeepSeek’s technology, with hundreds opting for a ban. The primary concern is that data from users could potentially be accessed by the Chinese government. DeepSeek’s privacy policy states that all user data is stored in China, where local laws require businesses to share such information with government intelligence agencies if requested.
As more regions prohibit the use of DeepSeek’s applications, we will keep updating this information. This includes various public sector departments that have also banned the use of DeepSeek technology.
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Italy was one of the first countries to issue a ban against DeepSeek. This followed an investigation by Italy’s data protection authority, which looked into how DeepSeek collected and managed personal data. In late January, the authority began examining whether DeepSeek complied with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a law in the European Union that governs personal data handling. They gave DeepSeek 20 days to explain how they stored and used user data. DeepSeek claimed its apps weren’t subject to EU laws, but the Italian authority disagreed and took action to remove DeepSeek’s apps from the Apple Store and Google Play Store in Italy.
Taiwan’s government also decided to restrict DeepSeek’s technology. The Ministry of Digital Affairs stated that using DeepSeek could jeopardize national information security and directed government offices to stop using the company’s AI tools. They expressed concerns about the risk of sensitive information being leaked or transmitted across borders, affecting public sector workers and essential services, including public schools and state-owned businesses.
In the United States, Congress members were advised not to use DeepSeek’s technology. The House’s chief administrative officer sent a warning to congressional offices indicating that DeepSeek’s technology was under review. The warning highlighted that malicious actors might exploit DeepSeek’s technology to introduce harmful software on devices. Consequently, congressional staffers were prohibited from installing DeepSeek applications on any official devices like smartphones, computers, or tablets.
In Texas, the Governor, Greg Abbott, issued a directive to ban software from DeepSeek and other Chinese firms on government-issued devices. He stated that Texas would not allow the Chinese Communist Party to infiltrate the state’s critical infrastructure through data-collecting AI and social media applications.
The U.S. Navy also warned its personnel against using DeepSeek’s applications. An internal email informed service members that they should avoid using DeepSeek products for work or personal tasks due to ethical and security concerns stemming from their origins and usage. They were urged to refrain from downloading or using DeepSeek’s AI entirely.
The Pentagon has similarly locked down access to DeepSeek’s technologies after concerns about unauthorized use arose among its staff. The Defense Information Systems Agency, which manages the Pentagon’s IT networks, banned DeepSeek’s website after discovering that some personnel were using its applications without permission. Although direct access is blocked, Pentagon staff can still use DeepSeek’s AI indirectly through an authorized platform that does not connect to Chinese servers.
Lastly, NASA has barred its employees from using DeepSeek technology. Memo communications within the agency indicated that DeepSeek’s operations are outside of the U.S., which presents national security concerns. According to the agency, DeepSeek products and services are not permitted for use with NASA data or on government devices and networks, emphasizing that employees should not access DeepSeek through NASA equipment.
Overall, the ongoing global scrutiny of DeepSeek reflects significant concerns about privacy, security, and the ethical implications of using technology developed in China.
