Chinese AI app DeepSeek was downloaded by millions. Deleting it might come next

DeepSeek, a generative AI app from China, has surged to become the most downloaded free app on Apple’s App Store, surpassing OpenAI’s ChatGPT. This sudden rise has raised alarm among national security experts due to the Chinese government’s data-sharing policies, which require domestic companies to share data with the Chinese Communist Party. Concerns have been raised about the potential risks of data breaches and cyber vulnerabilities associated with the app.

Within days of DeepSeek’s success, several entities, including NASA, the U.S. Navy, the State of Texas, Taiwan, and Italy, have imposed bans on the app. This is a result of fears that DeepSeek could harvest personal and sensitive data, including health and banking information, and pose a risk to national security. The app’s potential for data leakage, combined with China’s strict data laws, has fueled skepticism about its safety.

Experts have pointed out that the app’s privacy policy is unreliable, and its open-source approach could allow it to track users across devices, gather data from advertisers, and exploit device cameras and microphones. Cybersecurity firms have already identified vulnerabilities in the app, and a significant cyberattack was reported last week. Analysts worry about the larger implications for U.S. supply chains and the ability of China to gather intelligence on American industries.

Despite its rapid rise, DeepSeek still trails behind ChatGPT in terms of consumer activity, with the latter retaining millions of daily visits. However, DeepSeek’s growing online presence, combined with its open-source model, is causing disruptions in the AI industry. This has led to concerns that the U.S. and other democracies need to step up their AI efforts to remain competitive against Chinese AI advancements.

The global competition over AI technology continues to intensify, and the controversy surrounding DeepSeek has highlighted the complexities of regulating AI amidst escalating U.S.-China tensions. Some experts argue that U.S. export controls on Chinese tech may need to be stricter, while others believe a governmental ban, similar to that on TikTok, could be enacted to curb potential threats posed by DeepSeek. In any case, the debate over data privacy, national security, and AI competition is far from settled.

Source: CBNC