Governments and Regulators Tighten Scrutiny of DeepSeek
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, which claimed in January to have built an AI model rivaling ChatGPT at a lower cost, is facing growing scrutiny worldwide. Concerns focus on its security policies and privacy practices. DeepSeek stores user data, including AI queries and uploaded files, on servers in China, according to its privacy policy.
Country-by-Country Actions
Australia
In early February, Australia banned DeepSeek from all government devices. Authorities cited security risks.
Czech Republic
In July, the Czech government barred public administration from using DeepSeek due to data security concerns.
France
France’s privacy watchdog said it would question DeepSeek in January 2025. The aim is to understand how the AI system works and evaluate potential privacy risks.
Germany
Germany requested Apple and Google to remove DeepSeek from their app stores in June, citing data safety concerns.
India
India’s finance ministry asked government employees in early February to avoid AI tools like DeepSeek and ChatGPT for official work. The move aims to protect confidential documents and sensitive data.
Italy
Italy’s antitrust authority, AGCM, ended an investigation into DeepSeek in 2025. The case concerned failure to warn users about false information. The closure required binding commitments. Earlier, the government blocked the app over unclear data practices.
Netherlands
At the end of January, the Dutch privacy watchdog announced an investigation into DeepSeek’s data collection. Citizens were advised to use the software cautiously. Government employees were banned from using it, citing policies regarding countries with offensive cyber programs.
Russia
In February, President Vladimir Putin directed Sberbank to collaborate with Chinese researchers on joint AI projects, signaling a more cooperative approach.
South Korea
South Korea suspended new DeepSeek downloads in mid-February. Authorities said the startup did not comply with some personal data rules. Earlier, the industry minister temporarily blocked employee access over security concerns. The service resumed at the end of April.
Taiwan
Taiwan banned government departments from using DeepSeek in February, citing security risks. Officials also raised concerns about censorship and potential transfer of data to China.
Rising Global Concerns
The actions taken by these governments highlight a growing international concern about AI security and privacy. Many countries are cautious about apps linked to China, citing both cybersecurity risks and the handling of personal data.
