Bans are Imposed On DeepSeek App In US States

The emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese-developed artificial intelligence (AI) application, has ignited significant debate in the United States concerning data privacy, national security, and the potential for foreign surveillance. These concerns have led to discussions about imposing bans on the app within the U.S.

DeepSeek’s Rapid Ascendancy

DeepSeek, developed by the Chinese company High-Flyer, has quickly become a prominent name in the AI sector. The application utilizes the DeepSeek R1 open-source AI model, which has been integrated into products and services by major companies such as Huawei, Honor, Microsoft, and various automakers. In the United States, DeepSeek achieved the top position on the App Store almost overnight, reflecting its swift rise in popularity.

Privacy and Security Concerns

Despite its rapid adoption, DeepSeek has faced scrutiny over data privacy and potential foreign surveillance. Analyses have suggested that the app contains hidden code capable of transmitting user data to China. Additionally, there are concerns that DeepSeek aligns with Chinese government positions on sensitive political issues, leading to fears of state-sponsored censorship.

Governmental Responses

In response to these concerns, New York State has banned the use of DeepSeek on all government devices and networks. Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the importance of public safety and cybersecurity, stating that the ban aims to protect against foreign surveillance and data harvesting.

At the federal level, a bipartisan group of U.S. House lawmakers is proposing legislation to prohibit DeepSeek from federal devices, mirroring existing policies for other foreign-developed applications.

Industry Perspectives

Industry leaders have also weighed in on the potential future of DeepSeek in the U.S. market. Arm CEO Rene Haas expressed skepticism about the app’s longevity, suggesting that it may face shut down due to foreign policy implications stemming from its Chinese origins. He compared DeepSeek’s situation to that of other Chinese-developed platforms that have encountered regulatory challenges in the U.S.

International Actions

Concerns over DeepSeek are not confined to the United States. Australia’s top research universities, part of the Group of Eight (Go8), have blocked or are considering banning DeepSeek from their networks and devices due to data security issues. The University of Adelaide has already implemented a block, and the University of New South Wales has advised against its use.

Conclusion

The rapid rise of DeepSeek has been accompanied by significant concerns regarding data privacy, national security, and potential foreign influence. These issues have prompted actions at both state and federal levels in the United States, as well as internationally, to restrict or ban the application’s use. As the situation evolves, it will be crucial to monitor how regulatory bodies and industry leaders address the balance between technological innovation and security considerations.

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