DeepSeek Blocked by Several Companies Worldwide Due to Potential Data Leakage

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 15:37 | Artificial Intelegence | Editorial INTI

Jakarta, INTI - DeepSeek, an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot developed by a Chinese company, is facing global scrutiny as several international companies begin blocking its access due to concerns over potential data leakage. This action underscores the growing tension between technological innovation and data security in a rapidly digitizing world.

Growing Restrictions by Global Companies

According to Antara News on Monday, February 3, 2025, hundreds of companies worldwide, especially those with close ties to governments, have taken steps to prohibit the use of DeepSeek among their employees.

The primary concern driving this action is the possibility that the data collected by the application could fall into the wrong hands, including those of the Chinese government.

Expert Analysis on Data Security Risks

Nadir Izrael, Chief Technology Officer at the cybersecurity company Armis Inc., based in the United States, emphasized that the biggest issue with DeepSeek is the uncertainty regarding where the information processed by its AI model is going.

"The biggest concern is the potential data leakage of AI models to the Chinese government. You don’t know where your information is going," Izrael stated, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding the security of this application.

Similar actions have been taken by other companies, such as Netskope Inc., which reported that 52 percent of their clients have decided to block access to DeepSeek as part of efforts to maintain the security and integrity of corporate data.

DeepSeek’s Market Position and Challenges

DeepSeek, supported by the V3 model developed in China, has become one of the main alternatives to ChatGPT, offering capabilities to analyze documents, answer various questions, and search for information on websites.

While the app has managed to secure a top position in the AI chatbot market, to maintain its long-term popularity, DeepSeek needs to attract at least 300 million weekly users to surpass ChatGPT OpenAI.

However, the main issue that has arisen is that the platform stores and collects server data in China, which raises concerns among many about the potential leakage of data that could be exploited by the Chinese government.

Impact on Trust and Credibility

This issue further damages trust in the application, given that many companies and nations prioritize data security above all else.

Trust in DeepSeek is at risk as data leakage becomes a very real threat. If the platform cannot convince its users that the information they send through its chatbot service is secure, it is highly likely that DeepSeek will lose its credibility in the international market.

In a world that increasingly demands data protection and privacy, any application that fails to meet stringent security standards risks facing sanctions and restrictions in various countries.

Future Outlook and Recommendations

Therefore, to survive in the fierce competition with other AI chatbot platforms, DeepSeek must address the privacy and transparency issues related to data management.

A proactive step in designing clear and accountable security policies is essential if DeepSeek wants to remain relevant and trusted in the global market.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding DeepSeek highlights the complex interplay between technological innovation and data security in today’s interconnected world. Despite its position as a competitive AI chatbot in the global market, DeepSeek's reliance on Chinese servers for data storage and its perceived lack of transparency have significantly damaged its credibility.

As companies and governments increasingly prioritize data protection, the trust deficit faced by DeepSeek could lead to widespread restrictions, ultimately threatening its survival in the competitive AI landscape.

To regain user confidence and secure its place in the market, DeepSeek must address privacy concerns head-on. This includes adopting globally recognized data security standards, enhancing transparency in data handling practices, and fostering open communication about its commitment to protecting user information.

The future of DeepSeek depends on its ability to balance innovation with robust data protection policies. By proactively tackling these challenges, the platform can not only restore trust but also position itself as a leader in ethical AI development, ensuring long-term relevance in the global market.