 "DeepSeek's AI app is sending user data, chats, all uploaded files to servers in China")
DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence platform, has quickly gained popularity, challenging US-based AI companies like OpenAI. However, its rapid rise has raised concerns, particularly regarding the app’s data collection practices. As the app surges in popularity, its links to Chinese servers have sparked alarm about the potential risks to user privacy and data security.
The Chinese developer, which is backed by a hedge fund, released an open-source generative AI model that’s been widely compared to top-tier models from US companies. DeepSeek’s platform, available on iOS, Android, and the web, allows users to interact with AI through chat-style conversations. While the app can be used to answer questions or search the web, it also collects extensive data from its users, as per a report by The Wired. Much of this data is sent back to servers in China, where it’s stored according to the company’s privacy policy.
Data collection practices under the spotlight
DeepSeek’s privacy policy is clear: the data it collects, including conversations, search history, and any uploaded files, is stored in China. While users can delete their chat history through the app’s settings, many are concerned about the scope of data that is automatically collected. This includes basic information like device type, operating system, IP address, and even keystroke patterns. The app also collects details provided during account setup, such as email addresses and phone numbers.
This extensive data collection is not unique to DeepSeek. Many AI platforms collect similar information to improve their services. However, the concern with DeepSeek lies in the fact that its data is transmitted back to China, where it could be subject to the country’s strict cybersecurity laws. These laws require companies to cooperate with national intelligence efforts, raising questions about the potential for government surveillance.
Censorship and geopolitical concerns
In addition to privacy concerns, DeepSeek has been accused of censoring content that criticises China or its policies. Users have reported that the platform omits sensitive topics, such as the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, and sometimes provides answers that appear to align with Chinese government propaganda. This has led to further worries that the app could be used to manipulate information and subtly steer conversations in a way that benefits Chinese interests.
Experts caution users not to input sensitive personal information into AI platforms like DeepSeek, especially when running on cloud-based servers outside the user’s control. While it’s possible to use AI models like DeepSeek locally on a personal computer, ensuring that no data is sent to the company, this option isn’t widely available for most users.
Is the US ready for action?
The rise of DeepSeek and its data collection practices highlight the ongoing tension between the US and China in the tech world. Following the debate over the security risks of TikTok, which also collects significant user data, DeepSeek’s popularity has reignited fears about the potential for Chinese tech companies to harvest data from global users. While the app’s data policies appear to be legal within China’s regulations, they may not sit well with governments in other countries.
Researchers also warns that the real issue lies in the terms set by these companies for how they handle personal data. When users engage with platforms like DeepSeek, they are effectively providing data for the company’s own purposes. This could have far-reaching implications, especially if DeepSeek continues to grow in popularity.
The US government, having already raised concerns over data privacy with TikTok, could extend these concerns to AI platforms like DeepSeek. For now, DeepSeek’s success poses a critical challenge to US tech dominance and raises important questions about the future of global data privacy.
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