Chinese AI App DeepSeek Surpasses ChatGPT in Downloads, Raising Concerns Over Data Privacy
Introduction
The Chinese artificial intelligence application DeepSeek has recently outperformed OpenAI’s ChatGPT in terms of download numbers, raising alarms among experts due to the Chinese government’s requirements for local companies to share data with the state.
In light of these developments, efforts to legally ban DeepSeek, similar to actions taken against TikTok, may follow. A swift government ban has already been enacted by agencies such as NASA and the U.S. Navy, as well as in states like Texas and countries including Taiwan and Italy.
Data Leakage Risks
Cybersecurity firms have identified vulnerabilities within the DeepSeek application that could lead to data leaks. Experts warn that the volume of data and information that malicious actors in China could harvest from DeepSeek is twenty times worse than what can be collected through a Google search. This includes sensitive personal banking and health information, leading some to label DeepSeek as a treasure trove of intelligence.
Conversely, the open-source approach to AI could provide China with insights into supply chains and industries, allowing it to better understand and compete with other companies.
Experts have also highlighted that through keystroke patterns, DeepSeek users can be tracked across devices, enabling advertisers to gather information. More alarmingly, the app could exploit device cameras and microphones to record audio and video, as well as inject malware on a large scale.
How to Protect Yourself
AI tools are designed to enhance life by improving efficiency and creativity, making it tempting to share data for better results. However, users should assume that any data shared will be analyzed, stored, and used without their knowledge. It is crucial to think before typing and treat interactions as if they are being monitored, avoiding the sharing of personal or sensitive information such as work-related details or passwords.
While DeepSeek may not offer the strongest privacy controls, it is worth exploring the platform’s settings to understand what options are available. Many AI tools provide features to disable data sharing or opt-out of using personal data for model training. It is also important to note that AI accuracy is directly tied to the quality of data it learns from.
Therefore, it is essential to remember that smart chatbots are not immune to misinformation. Whether regarding product recommendations or health advice, always verify the accuracy of AI-generated responses before acting on them.
After millions of downloads worldwide and revelations from experts about DeepSeek’s privacy policy — indicating extensive data collection practices such as tracking keystrokes, IP addresses, and even off-platform behavior — careful consideration of the implications of using a platform with broad tracking capabilities becomes increasingly concerning.
Despite being able to mitigate risks through proactive measures while exploring AI tools, experts anticipate that users will begin deleting DeepSeek from their devices until privacy concerns and risks are more clearly defined.
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