February 10, 2025
By Anjali Kochhar
Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek is facing bans in several countries due to rising concerns over data security and privacy. Governments worldwide are restricting access to the AI model, fearing potential risks related to data collection and surveillance.
Nations such as South Korea, Australia, Taiwan, the UK, France, Italy, the USA, and several European countries have taken steps to block DeepSeek, particularly within government agencies. Authorities argue that the chatbot’s privacy policies pose a significant threat to national security.
In South Korea, the state-run Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power has blocked access to DeepSeek and other AI services on its internal systems. Additionally, ministries in multiple countries have prohibited employees from using AI tools on computers connected to external networks.
The Australian government has also banned DeepSeek from all government systems and devices. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that the move aims to protect Australia’s national security, as AI-driven data collection could pose serious risks.
Similarly, Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs has restricted government agencies from using DeepSeek, urging critical infrastructure operators to avoid the chatbot due to cybersecurity threats.
In Europe, nations like France and Italy have raised alarms over DeepSeek’s privacy policies. Concerns about data collection and potential misuse have led to restrictions on the chatbot’s access in government institutions.
The United States has imposed some of the strictest measures, banning DeepSeek in both government and private sectors. Officials have expressed fears that the AI model could be exploited for espionage or unauthorised data gathering.
In the UK and Ireland, government bodies have voiced concerns about the security risks associated with DeepSeek. While the AI service offers a low-cost alternative to competitors, its potential vulnerabilities have led to widespread scrutiny.
With rising concerns over data security, governments are tightening restrictions on foreign AI models like DeepSeek. This growing skepticism toward Chinese AI services highlights the challenge of balancing technological advancement with national security, making global expansion increasingly difficult for such companies.
About the author
Anjali Kochhar covers cryptocurrency and blockchain stories in India as well as globally. Having been in the field of media and journalism for over three years now, she has developed a sharp news sense and works hard to present information that goes beyond the obvious. She is an avid reader and loves writing on a wide range of subjects.
