DeepSeek AI Banned in Multiple Countries Over Data Privacy & Security Concerns
Image Credit: Marco Bianchetti | Splash
In recent weeks, several countries have taken measures to restrict or ban the use of DeepSeek, a Chinese-developed artificial intelligence application, due to concerns over data privacy, national security, and content censorship.
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United States
In the United States, concerns over DeepSeek's data privacy and security risks have led to increasing calls for restrictions, particularly on government devices.
Pentagon: The Pentagon has prohibited the use of DeepSeek on its devices and networks due to concerns over data privacy and the application's connection to Chinese servers. This restriction was implemented on January 28, 2025, after it was discovered that some Defense Department employees had accessed DeepSeek's AI chatbot using work computers.
U.S. Navy: The U.S. Navy has instructed on January 29, 2025 its members not to use DeepSeek due to security and ethical concerns.
Texas: The state of Texas has independently banned DeepSeek on January 31, 2025 from all government-issued devices. Governor Greg Abbott's order reflects concerns over potential data harvesting and the influence of the Chinese Communist Party, highlighting the state's proactive measures to protect its critical infrastructure.
NASA: On February 3, 2025, NASA's Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer issued a memo instructing employees not to access DeepSeek via NASA devices or agency-managed network connections and to refrain from sharing or uploading agency data on DeepSeek platforms. This action was taken due to concerns over data privacy and the application's connection to Chinese servers.
On February 6, 2025, Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Darin LaHood (R-IL) introduced the "No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act", seeking to ban federal employees from using DeepSeek on government-issued devices due to national security concerns.
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India
On January 29, 2025, India's Ministry of Finance issued an advisory instructing its employees to avoid using AI tools such as DeepSeek on official devices. The advisory highlighted concerns that AI tools could pose risks to the confidentiality of government data and documents.
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Italy
Italy became the first nation to implement a full ban on DeepSeek. On January 30, 2025, Italy's Data Protection Authority, known as the Garante, ordered the immediate blocking of DeepSeek. This action was taken after the developers failed to provide requested information regarding the data used to train the system, reflecting Italy's proactive stance on safeguarding user data and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
[Read More: Italy Bans DeepSeek AI: First Nation to Block China’s AI Over Privacy Issues]
Taiwan
On February 3, 2025, Taiwan officially banned government departments from using DeepSeek's AI services due to security concerns. The Ministry of Digital Affairs highlighted that DeepSeek's operations involve cross-border data transmission, posing risks of information leakage. They advised government agencies and critical infrastructure to refrain from using DeepSeek to ensure national information security.
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Australia
On February 4, 2025, Australia prohibited the use of DeepSeek on all government devices, citing security concerns associated with the Chinese AI startup. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasized that the decision followed advice from intelligence agencies and was based solely on security considerations, stating that DeepSeek posed an "unacceptable risk" to government technology.
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South Korea
South Korea's government has implemented measures to block access to DeepSeek on official devices due to security concerns. The Ministry of Industry issued a notification on February 4, 2025 advising agencies to exercise caution when using AI services such as DeepSeek. Following this, entities like the Ministry of Defense and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power restricted its use.
Canada
On February 7, 2025, Dominic Rochon, the Chief Information Officer of Canada's Treasury Board Secretariat, issued an email advising federal departments to restrict the use of DeepSeek on government devices due to serious privacy concerns. The email highlighted concerns over DeepSeek's "inappropriate" collection and retention of sensitive personal information. The restriction has already been applied to government mobile devices managed by Shared Services Canada, and other departments and agencies are encouraged to implement similar measures as a precautionary step to protect government networks and data.
EU Nations Intensify Scrutiny on DeepSeek
Other EU countries have not yet implemented outright bans but are actively scrutinizing DeepSeek's operations:
Ireland: On January 29, 2025, Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC) reached out to DeepSeek, requesting detailed information about its data processing activities concerning Irish users.
France: On January 30, 2025, France's data protection authority, the Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL), announced that it would question DeepSeek to gain a better understanding of how the company's AI system operates and to assess any potential privacy risks for users.
Netherlands: On January 31, 2025, the Dutch Data Protection Authority (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens, AP) announced it would launch an investigation into Chinese artificial intelligence firm DeepSeek's data collection practices. The AP urged Dutch users to be cautious when using DeepSeek's software due to serious privacy concerns.
[Read More: EU Blocks Chinese AI App DeepSeek Over GDPR Compliance Concerns]
Global Concerns Over DeepSeek’s Data Practices
The swift succession of bans and restrictions on DeepSeek underscores a global apprehension regarding AI applications developed in China. Key concerns include:
Data Privacy: Many governments fear that user data collected by DeepSeek could be accessed by the Chinese government, posing risks to national security and individual privacy.
National Security: The potential for AI applications like DeepSeek to be used in surveillance or influence operations has led countries to adopt a cautious approach, prioritizing the protection of sensitive information and critical infrastructure.
Content Censorship: Analyses have indicated that DeepSeek may filter sensitive topics and promote narratives aligned with Chinese government perspectives, raising concerns about information control and freedom of expression.
[Read More: Why Did China Ban Western AI Chatbots? The Rise of Its Own AI Models]
Source: Reuters, Gottheimer, Stripes, India Times, TomsGuide, Texas Gov, Global News
