UK & Australian government officials, AI experts urge users to be cautious of DeepSeek

DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence platform, is causing a buzz in the tech world, and not all of it is good. While it has impressed many with its ability to deliver similar results to well-known platforms like ChatGPT, at a fraction of the cost, experts are urging users to approach it with caution. The main concerns? The potential for misinformation and the risk of personal data being shared with the Chinese government.

The platform’s emergence has shocked Silicon Valley and Wall Street, especially as it’s become one of the most downloaded apps in both the UK and the US. However, experts and government officials are now raising red flags, warning that the convenience of using this tool might come with significant risks.

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Data privacy concerns and the Chinese government’s influence

According to a report by The Guardian, Michael Wooldridge, a professor at the University of Oxford, pointed out that any data entered into DeepSeek might not stay private. While it’s safe to ask the AI about general topics like football or history, Wooldridge warned that sensitive information could be shared with the Chinese state, which might not be something users want.  

Similarly, Dame Wendy Hall, a prominent AI expert, stressed that anyone using DeepSeek should be aware that Chinese tech companies are under strict government rules. The Chinese government has control over what can and can’t be said, and Hall believes this could pose significant privacy risks for users. Ross Burley, from the Centre for Information Resilience, echoed these worries, explaining that such platforms might end up being used for surveillance or to spread disinformation, which could have harmful consequences for democracy.

DeepSeek’s data policy says that any data, chat or files that users upload to its app are sent to its servers back in China. Chinese law mandates that all such data is to be shared with the government.  

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Governments urge caution

The UK and Australian governments have jumped on the bandwagon, expressing their concerns over the platform’s potential impact on national security. UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle recently suggested that people should make their own decisions about using DeepSeek, but also noted that the platform’s built-in censorship means it doesn’t offer the same freedoms users might expect from other AI models. While the UK government hasn’t banned the platform, they’re keeping an eye on any national security risks that might emerge.

In Australia, Science Minister Ed Husic also urged users to think carefully before downloading the AI. He pointed out that there are still many unanswered questions around the quality of the platform, consumer preferences, and the way it handles user data and privacy. Both countries are stressing the need for caution when it comes to DeepSeek’s use, especially with the potential for it to be misused in ways that could harm personal privacy or national security.

Censorship and misinformation

One of the biggest concerns with DeepSeek is its handling of sensitive topics. Users have reported that the AI refuses to discuss politically sensitive issues like the Tiananmen Square massacre, instead giving vague responses that align with the Chinese government’s narrative. For instance, when asked about Taiwan, DeepSeek echoes the Chinese Communist Party’s stance that the island is an “inalienable” part of China.

Dame Wendy Hall warned that the use of AI for generating information can lead to the spread of misinformation, especially when the data it relies on is biased or controlled. Azeem Azhar, an AI expert, found that when he asked about Tiananmen Square, DeepSeek could only provide a vague response, adding that the event was “widely recognised as the suppression of pro-democracy protests” but didn’t give much detail. This raises concerns about the AI’s role in shaping the narratives that users are exposed to.

Personal data at risk

Like other AI tools, DeepSeek allows users to upload personal documents, such as meeting notes or papers, to help process and analyse them. However, anything shared with the platform could be used for training the AI or for other purposes.

DeepSeek’s privacy policy makes it clear that the personal data it collects is stored in China and may be used to comply with legal obligations or for public interest tasks. This is where things get tricky—Chinese law mandates that companies must support national intelligence efforts, which means your data could be at risk.

All in all, while DeepSeek offers an innovative and cost-effective way to use AI, the privacy and security risks are very real. Experts and governments are urging users to think twice before jumping on the bandwagon. With data potentially in the hands of the Chinese government and concerns about censorship and misinformation, it might be worth waiting a little longer before embracing this platform fully.