DeepSeek, a rising AI application, is facing scrutiny in the US as lawmakers call for its ban due to security risks.
The AI-powered app, which has rapidly gained global recognition, is now under fire for allegedly transferring user data to China Mobile, a state-owned telecommunications giant that has been banned in the US. Security researchers uncovered hidden code within DeepSeek’s AI that transmits sensitive user information, including IP addresses, device details, and even keystroke patterns.
🚨 Data Privacy & National Security at Risk
Concerns over DeepSeek’s data practices have prompted swift action from US lawmakers. Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) are leading bipartisan efforts to introduce legislation that would prohibit the app from being installed on government-issued devices.
“DeepSeek is collecting the sensitive data of American citizens and sending it directly to the Chinese Communist Party — a national security threat.”
This push for regulation follows similar concerns raised over TikTok, which has been accused of allowing access to user data by the Chinese government. However, unlike TikTok, which remains under legal scrutiny, DeepSeek’s alleged data transmissions have been clearly identified by cybersecurity experts.
📉 Growing Restrictions on DeepSeek
Several federal agencies, including NASA and the US Navy, have already imposed bans on DeepSeek. Additionally, the state of Texas has introduced restrictions, citing national security risks. The app has also been banned from government systems in Australia, South Korea, and Italy.
The controversy has intensified discussions around AI governance and data privacy, fueling concerns over the growing influence of Chinese AI firms in global markets. As AI continues advancing, governments worldwide are being forced to confront the security implications of foreign-developed technologies.
🌍 AI as a Geopolitical Battlefield
The DeepSeek case highlights the ongoing technological rivalry between the US and China. American firms like OpenAI and Google have dominated AI innovation, but China’s AI sector has been rapidly catching up. DeepSeek’s rise has disrupted this balance, offering a free alternative to major American AI models.
Given the increasing concern over AI’s role in geopolitics, lawmakers are pushing for stricter regulations to prevent foreign AI tools from compromising national security. This aligns with broader global efforts to regulate AI and ensure ethical data practices.
⚖️ What’s Next?
If the proposed legislation passes, it could set a precedent for banning AI applications that pose security risks. As AI technology continues evolving, policymakers will need to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and safeguarding national interests.
For more insights on AI’s global impact, read about OpenAI’s latest developments and its response to DeepSeek’s rise.
