DeepSeek faces restricted by ‘hundreds’ of companies over data risks

Concerns over data security and ties to the Chinese government have led several companies and government agencies to restrict access to DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup.

DeepSeek’s Rapid Growth

DeepSeek’s AI chatbot has gained significant popularity, especially in the United States, offering high-performance AI at a lower cost than competitors like OpenAI and Google. It has also become the top AI chatbot on Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store, posing a direct challenge to industry leaders.

Companies Blocking DeepSeek

Cybersecurity firms Armis and Netskope report that many clients are blocking or restricting access to DeepSeek due to data privacy concerns.

• 70% of Armis customers and 52% of Netskope clients have taken action against the chatbot.
• Armis’ CTO Nadir Izrael warns of potential data exposure to the Chinese government since DeepSeek stores data on Chinese servers.
• DeepSeek’s privacy policy allows it to collect and store user data, including chat history and keystrokes, which could be shared with authorities.

Government Agencies Respond

Government agencies in the EU, Italy, and the UK are reviewing DeepSeek’s privacy policies. Meanwhile, the US government is investigating the app’s data collection methods, and the US Navy has banned its use over security risks.

With growing concerns, DeepSeek faces increasing scrutiny and potential bans in several countries.

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