What is the reason behind DeepSeek’s AI chatbot app being banned in these places?

February 4, 2025
Deepseek banned

Global Concerns Over DeepSeek’s AI: Privacy, Bans, and Security Risks

DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, has quickly gained attention worldwide after its AI models and chatbot app went viral. However, this rapid rise has also led to growing concerns from governments and regulatory bodies across multiple countries. Several nations have already banned the use of DeepSeek’s AI in government institutions due to data security and privacy risks.

Privacy Concerns and Global Scrutiny

Regulatory authorities in Ireland, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands have raised concerns about how DeepSeek collects and stores user data. In the United States, federal agencies have warned employees against using the app. According to a Bloomberg report, hundreds of companies have even instructed cybersecurity firms like Netskope and Armis to block access to DeepSeek.

The biggest issue surrounding DeepSeek is that user data is stored on servers in China, as stated in its privacy policy. Many fear that China’s strict data laws could allow the Chinese government to access this information upon request.

Countries That Have Banned DeepSeek’s AI

🔹 Italy – Became one of the first countries to ban DeepSeek. The app has since disappeared from app stores after the Italian Data Protection Agency (DPA) demanded details on its data-handling practices.

🔹 Taiwan – The government cited national security risks, banning DeepSeek in all public sector institutions, including schools and state-owned enterprises.

Government Agencies That Have Restricted DeepSeek

🚫 US Congress – Staff members have been instructed not to install or use DeepSeek due to cybersecurity threats.

🚫 US Navy – A complete ban has been imposed due to security and ethical concerns. Members are not allowed to use DeepSeek for any purpose.

🚫 Pentagon – Access to DeepSeek has been blocked since January after unauthorized usage by defense personnel. However, an alternative approved platform, Ask Sage, allows controlled access.

🚫 NASA – Employees are prohibited from using DeepSeek or accessing it via government networks and devices.

🚫 Texas Government – Governor Greg Abbott has banned DeepSeek and other Chinese AI software from government-issued devices, citing data security risks.

Why a Complete Ban is Challenging

While DeepSeek’s chatbot app raises privacy concerns, its AI models are open-source. Users who want to avoid data risks can run the models locally on their computers, keeping their conversations private.

For those lacking high-end hardware, alternative platforms like Perplexity provide access to DeepSeek’s AI while storing data on US and European servers instead of China.

As global concerns grow, governments continue to assess the risks and benefits of using DeepSeek’s AI technology, balancing innovation with security. 🚀

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.