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The US Navy has placed a ban on its sailors from using the AI model developed by the Chinese tech firm DeepSeek. The move was confirmed in an email sent to Navy personnel on Friday, warning them that the company’s R1 model is prohibited from being used for any work-related tasks or personal activities, as per a report by CNBC.
This restriction comes amid rising concerns over the potential security and ethical risks linked to the origins and usage of DeepSeek’s AI. The Navy made it clear that they are taking these issues seriously, advising sailors to steer clear of the AI model.
DeepSeek’s rapid success
DeepSeek, a start-up based in Hangzhou, China, made waves earlier this month with the launch of its AI Assistant app. By this week, it had shot to the top of the free charts on the US Apple App Store, becoming the most downloaded app. Despite its modest cost—far cheaper than the market leaders like OpenAI’s ChatGPT—the AI model reportedly performs on par with its more expensive counterparts, scoring impressively on key metrics.
However, the app’s swift rise has raised alarms. The US Navy’s decision reflects growing concerns within the US about the security risks posed by the model, especially considering the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions with China.
US government investigates potential risks
Later on, a spokesperson for the US Navy confirmed the authenticity of the email, adding that the decision was in response to national security concerns. Karoline Leavitt, Press Secretary for the White House, commented that the US National Security Council is actively reviewing the implications of DeepSeek’s AI, acknowledging the potential threat it poses to US interests.
The launch of DeepSeek’s AI has already caused a stir in the US stock market. Major tech companies, particularly NVIDIA, have seen substantial losses as investors grow concerned about the competition from this low-cost Chinese solution. The swift success of DeepSeek’s app has many wondering how the established tech giants will respond.
Industry reactions to DeepSeek’s AI
Industry leaders have also weighed in on the sudden rise of DeepSeek’s AI. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, noted that while the Chinese model is impressive—especially considering the price—his company is determined to deliver superior models in the future. Altman expressed that having a new competitor in the market was a positive challenge for OpenAI.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump weighed in, calling the release of DeepSeek’s AI a “wake-up call” for US tech companies. He stressed that the US needs to step up its efforts to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
As DeepSeek’s AI continues to gain traction, the US will likely continue to scrutinise its impact on national security and the global tech market.