# DeepSeek: Regulatory Scrutiny and Privacy Issues
The debut of DeepSeek, an AI chatbot created in China, has triggered considerable privacy issues and regulatory probes in the United States and Europe. This article examines the ramifications of these worries, the swift surge in the app’s popularity, and the possible repercussions for its presence in different markets.
## A Brief Overview of DeepSeek
DeepSeek has garnered attention for its notable performance benchmarks, which allegedly rank it among the top AI models in the world. Analysts have been amazed at how a Chinese firm has reached such outcomes at a fraction of the expense associated with U.S. models, all while operating on modestly-equipped personal computers. This swift rise has propelled DeepSeek to the top position in Apple’s App Store, raising questions within the tech sector and spurring concerns that U.S. AI companies could be overhyped.
Traditionally, it was thought that the high costs of hardware needed to develop large language models (LLMs) would shield established players like OpenAI, Google, and Meta from rivalry. However, DeepSeek’s accomplishments have challenged these beliefs and contributed to a drop in stock prices for numerous U.S. technology firms.
## Privacy Issues with DeepSeek
The privacy ramifications of AI chatbots are an escalating concern, especially about their methods of collecting and using personal data. Most AI services have privacy policies permitting them to learn from user interactions, which raises critical issues about data safety and user privacy.
The ownership of DeepSeek by a Chinese firm has heightened these worries. Italy’s privacy authority, known as the Garante, has started an investigation into the app’s adherence to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a stringent privacy law that manages data protection in 30 European nations. The Garante has asked DeepSeek various questions about the kinds of personal data collected, its sources, its intended usage, and whether it is stored in China.
Simultaneously, U.S. officials are also probing the app, concentrating on its potential implications for national security. The National Security Council is assessing the app’s influence, underscoring the convergence of technology and geopolitical matters.
## DeepSeek Banned from the App Store in Italy
In light of inquiries from Italy’s data protection authority, DeepSeek has been pulled from both Apple and Google’s app stores in Italy. It remains uncertain if this measure was voluntarily enacted by DeepSeek or was a directive from the app store operators. The removal highlights the severity of the regulatory scrutiny that the app is undergoing.
Moreover, Ireland’s privacy regulator has also requested details regarding DeepSeek’s data practices, indicating that the app may encounter similar obstacles throughout the European Union. Since GDPR applies to all EU members and several additional nations, unsatisfactory responses to the inquiries might result in a wider ban on DeepSeek throughout Europe.
## 9to5Mac’s Perspective
The privacy issues surrounding DeepSeek are not exclusive to this app; they are widespread across numerous generative AI services. The principal difference appears to be the level of confidence in U.S. companies compared to their Chinese counterparts. As a precaution, users should refrain from sharing personal information when engaging with chatbots.
Significantly, Apple Intelligence is recognized as a service that does not incorporate user data for training purposes. Additionally, Apple’s collaboration with OpenAI guarantees that ChatGPT, when accessed via Siri, also follows stringent privacy guidelines. This renders using ChatGPT through Siri a more secure choice for users concerned about data privacy.
## Final Thoughts
The situation with DeepSeek underscores the intricate relationship between technological advancement, privacy, and regulatory oversight. As AI technology advances, scrutiny of data practices is expected to increase, compelling both users and companies to emphasize transparency and compliance with privacy laws. With the possibility of widespread bans and heightened investigations, the future of DeepSeek and similar applications remains uncertain.
