The Chinese artificial intelligence chatbot DeepSeek has surged in popularity, becoming the most downloaded app in the US and UK.
While its cost-efficiency and performance rival major platforms like ChatGPT, experts have raised critical concerns over data privacy, misinformation, and potential misuse.
Here’s what you need to know before using DeepSeek.
Why is DeepSeek under scrutiny?
Australia’s Science Minister, Ed Husic, recently voiced concerns about DeepSeek’s data privacy practices, making Australia the first Western government to do so.
Speaking to ABC News, Husic highlighted unanswered questions regarding “data and privacy management,” urging users to approach the platform cautiously.
Similarly, experts like Professor Michael Wooldridge from Oxford University warn against entering sensitive or personal information into DeepSeek.
He told the Guardian, “You don’t know where the data goes,” emphasizing the risks of the platform’s data-sharing practices, particularly its potential links to the Chinese government.
According to DeepSeek’s privacy policy, the chatbot collects a vast amount of user data, including email addresses, phone numbers, chat histories, and even keystroke patterns.
This information is stored on servers in China and can be shared with third parties, including advertising partners and service providers.
Lauren Hendry Parsons, a digital privacy advocate at ExpressVPN, pointed out alarming clauses in the privacy policy, such as the use of data to “help match you and your actions outside of the service.” She told the BBC this should “immediately ring alarm bells” for privacy-conscious users.
Experts are also wary of how DeepSeek could spread misinformation. The chatbot’s responses are reportedly subject to Chinese government censorship.
For example, DeepSeek avoids topics like the Tiananmen Square massacre and aligns with Beijing’s stance on Taiwan.
Ross Burley, co-founder of the Centre for Information Resilience, highlighted the broader implications, warning that platforms like DeepSeek could “feed disinformation campaigns, erode public trust, and entrench authoritarian narratives.”
What makes DeepSeek appealing?
Despite these concerns, DeepSeek’s rapid rise can be attributed to its low-cost model and performance comparable to competitors like OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
The platform has reportedly achieved three times the download rate of its rivals.
DeepSeek’s open-source nature has also fueled hopes for a new wave of innovation in AI, breaking the dominance of US tech giants in the field.
Donald Trump even described the platform as a “wake-up call” for the US tech industry, though he stopped short of labeling it a security threat.
Dos and don’ts when using DeepSeek
To stay safe while using DeepSeek, experts recommend the following:
Dos:
Use the chatbot for general queries, such as historical facts or entertainment-related questions.
Regularly review the platform’s privacy policy to stay informed about data usage.
Exercise caution when sharing any personal information or sensitive data.
Don’ts:
Avoid discussing confidential or security-sensitive topics through the platform.
Do not assume that your data is entirely private or secure.
Be critical of the information provided, especially on politically sensitive topics.
While DeepSeek offers impressive capabilities at a lower cost, its privacy policies, data collection practices, and potential for spreading misinformation are valid concerns.
Users should approach the platform with caution, balancing its innovative potential against the need for privacy and accuracy.
Remember, informed usage is key to navigating the opportunities and challenges of AI technologies like DeepSeek.
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