Concerns over data security and links to the Chinese government have caused numerous companies and government agencies to restrict access to DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup.

DeepSeek’s AI chatbot, which has gained significant popularity in the United States for providing high-performance AI at a lower cost than competitors like OpenAI and Google, has become the leading AI chatbot on both Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store, directly challenging industry leaders.

Companies Blocking DeepSeek

Cybersecurity firms such as Armis and Netskope report that many of their clients are restricting or blocking access to DeepSeek due to concerns over potential data leaks and insufficient privacy measures. Approximately 70% of Armis customers and 52% of Netskope clients have requested blocks or imposed limitations on the chatbot.

Nadir Izrael, Armis’ Chief Technology Officer, emphasized the risk of exposing user data to the Chinese government, given that DeepSeek stores its data on servers in China and complies with Chinese regulations. DeepSeek’s privacy policy allows for the collection and storage of sensitive data, including keystrokes, text, audio input, and chat history, which may be shared with law enforcement and public authorities.

Cybersecurity researchers have also flagged vulnerabilities within DeepSeek, including an exposed internal database, heightening concerns that hackers could exploit the chatbot for malicious purposes, such as phishing or analyzing stolen data.

Government Agencies Reviewing DeepSeek

Government agencies across the European Union (EU), Italy, and the UK are currently reviewing DeepSeek’s privacy practices and have requested further information from the company. The US government has raised similar concerns, with White House officials assessing how the app handles user data, while the US Navy has imposed a ban on its use.

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