The Rise of DeepSeek: Analyzing Risks of the Popular Chinese AI App

This week, the DeepSeek Chatbot app from China became the most downloaded application on Apple's App Store, surpassing the American-created ChatGPT from OpenAI. This surge in popularity had an immediate impact, wiping billions off the global tech market.

Many users in the U.S. are eager to explore the capabilities of DeepSeek, a new generative AI app that offers impressive AI search functionalities. However, amidst growing U.S.-China technology tension, the rapid adoption of this app raises critical questions about privacy and data security. The usage of DeepSeek by millions of Americans is now under scrutiny, especially with multiple organizations, including NASA and the U.S. Navy, quickly prohibiting its use due to potential risks.

The accelerated success of DeepSeek, which was developed on a surprisingly low budget, has left many in the AI field astonished. Nevertheless, skepticism surrounds the app, with some industry experts believing that the Chinese company may have underestimated development costs by significant amounts. Privacy advocates express grave concerns about the potential risk to American users, emphasizing that the personal data collected by DeepSeek could be exploited.

Dewardric McNeal, a senior policy analyst, highlights that the data harvestable from DeepSeek could pose a far greater threat than typical searches conducted through platforms like Google, raising alarms about how much sensitive personal information could be extracted.

McNeal outlines that not just direct personal data—such as banking or health information—could be at stake but also insights into broader patterns of requests could provide foreign adversaries with valuable intelligence on American industries. Such patterns could even be weaponized to further cultural divisions among the public.

Despite the significant risks mentioned, McNeal reassures that using DeepSeek won't result in immediate harm. However, he emphasizes the potential dangers tied to this app's broader implications, especially concerning competition with China and national security.

Matt Pearl, a national security expert, reiterates concerns focused on DeepSeek's privacy policy, which he considers ineffective. He argues that anything shared on the app can be claimed by the Chinese government under their data laws. Pearl warns that users could be tracked through their activities across devices, and other vulnerabilities might be exploited by malicious actors.

Cybersecurity remains a top concern as Pearl fears the app could be used to introduce malware across devices. Such a risk might occur as seamlessly as a simple update to the app, which increases the urgency for users to weigh the implications of using DeepSeek.

DeepSeek vs. ChatGPT

Despite its rapid rise, DeepSeek has yet to match the consumer engagement that ChatGPT continues to dominate. ChatGPT still garners millions of daily users, while DeepSeek is building momentum but has not reached the same levels of activity. Recent data indicates a decline in ChatGPT traffic but also a noticeable increase in visits to DeepSeek as it gained attention in the media.

Experts like Joe Jones from The International Association of Privacy Professionals note that the emergence of disruptive technologies like DeepSeek complicates the discussion surrounding privacy governance. The growing complexity of regulations across borders makes it increasingly challenging to establish sound practices amidst rising concerns about data security and commercial competition.

Brendan Englot, an AI director, supports this notion and highlights that the global race in AI development will likely introduce many more products similar to DeepSeek. Consumers must navigate these offerings while recognizing their potential data vulnerabilities. Although new AI tools promise to enhance life, users should remain vigilant about how their data can be utilized.

As DeepSeek gains traction, there are calls for stronger controls over technology exports intended to curb Chinese AI advancements. However, experts insist that improved U.S. models and innovation are vital to maintaining competitiveness.

In light of recent events, regulation may become necessary, as noted by Pearl, who suggests that the government could take action much like it did with TikTok under laws aimed at foreign threats to national security. This could lead to increased lobbying from U.S. tech firms who view the competition as critical for preserving market dominance in AI.

AI, Privacy, Security