# DeepSeek AI Faces Global Examination: Issues of Data Privacy and Geopolitical Factors
DeepSeek, the AI application that recently surged in popularity due to its cutting-edge R1 reasoning model, is now under heavy evaluation by governments and regulatory agencies across the globe. The app, praised as a budget-friendly alternative to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, has sparked considerable alarm regarding its data collection methods, storage practices, and potential connections to China. This article explores the developing debate, analyzing the ramifications for users, governments, and the larger AI sector.
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## **The Emergence of DeepSeek AI**
DeepSeek attracted significant attention following the introduction of its R1 reasoning model, which offers features akin to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. In contrast to its American rivals, DeepSeek has made its model open-source, enabling developers and researchers to utilize and enhance its technology. This strategy, along with its reduced development expenses, has established DeepSeek as a transformative player in the generative AI domain.
Nevertheless, the app’s swift rise has not been free of controversy. As its user base grew internationally, so too did worries regarding its data handling and the geopolitical consequences of its Chinese roots.
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## **Regulatory Pushback in Europe**
The Italian data protection authority recently initiated an inquiry into DeepSeek’s methods of data collection and storage. Critical inquiries include:
– **What types of data are gathered?**
– **From which sources is the data sourced?**
– **For what purposes is the data exploited?**
– **What is the legitimate rationale for data collection?**
– **Is user data retained on servers located in China?**
In light of these issues, DeepSeek has been taken down from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in Italy. It is unclear whether the app was pulled voluntarily by DeepSeek or if the tech giants acted proactively to adhere to regulatory demands. Ireland has joined Italy in seeking clarity, indicating the possibility of wider European scrutiny.
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## **Concerns Over US Navy and National Security**
The controversy surrounding DeepSeek has also penetrated the United States, where the Department of the Navy released a notice advising personnel against using the app. Citing “potential security and ethical issues,” the Navy’s Chief Information Officer emphasized the dangers linked to the app’s origins and data management practices.
This action highlights rising concerns regarding the app’s links to China, especially amidst claims that user information, including chats and typing patterns, are stored on Chinese servers. The US government has historically been cautious about Chinese tech companies, pointing to dangers of surveillance and data misuse.
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## **What Information Does DeepSeek Gather?**
DeepSeek’s privacy policy discloses a comprehensive data collection approach, encompassing:
1. **Profile Details**: User-supplied information such as date of birth, username, email address, phone number, and password.
2. **User Contributions**: Text or audio inputs, prompts, uploaded documents, feedback, and chat histories.
3. **Contact Information**: Information provided during support interactions, including verification of identity or age.
4. **Device and Usage Data**: Details about user access to the app, such as device specifics, typing patterns, and cookies.
5. **Payment Data**: Information regarding transactions processed within the app.
The app’s capability to link data across different devices further heightens worries about user confidentiality and data security.
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## **Geopolitical Consequences**
The DeepSeek controversy underscores the escalating tension between Western governments and Chinese tech enterprises. While OpenAI’s ChatGPT is not accessible in China due to regulatory constraints, DeepSeek has found success in Western markets, prompting questions about fairness and reciprocity in the global AI arena.
Compounding the situation, OpenAI has accused DeepSeek of utilizing ChatGPT to train its own AI model. If substantiated, this claim could result in legal and regulatory repercussions for DeepSeek, complicating its standing in international markets.
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## **Is a US Ban on DeepSeek Justifiable?
