The Risks of DeepSeek: China's AI Application and Its Global Implications

A warm greeting from DeepSeek, a new artificial intelligence app from China, has captured immense attention. In a remarkable feat, it has surpassed one million downloads within a single week, with over half of those occurring in just two days, according to data from AppBrain.

While this rapid adoption might seem thrilling, experts are raising alarm bells over the implications of such technology. Researchers highlight that relying on DeepSeek is not without risks, primarily due to its servers being located in a country with minimal data protection laws. Ross Burley, co-founder of the Centre for Information Resilience (CIR), warns that unchecked technology like this could promote disinformation, diminish public trust, and reinforce authoritarian narratives in democratic societies.

The Economic Impact of AI in China

China's rise in the AI sector is not solely an economic maneuver. Alongside DeepSeek, Alibaba has released a generative AI language model named Qwen 2.5. A study by IDC forecasts a cumulative economic impact of AI to reach $19.9 trillion globally by 2030, influencing approximately 3.5% of global GDP. Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator, notes that China is driving faster, cheaper, and smarter products, challenging a market that has long been dominated by the United States and OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT.

However, this shift is not merely about market competition. Deepak Padmanabhan, a senior lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast, suggests that DeepSeek focuses more on foundational technology than on commercial solutions.

Data Privacy Concerns

What are China’s intentions with this app? Harin Sellahewa, Dean of Computing at the University of Buckingham, points to DeepSeek’s Privacy Policy, which mentions the collection of user-provided information like usernames, passwords, and even keystroke patterns. Such biometric data may allow for personal identification.

While similar data collection occurs with other AI applications, Sellahewa emphasizes that the concern lies with DeepSeek's legal obligations, which include compliance with laws that may not align with Western data protection standards. The storage of user data in China raises significant privacy concerns.

Lukasz Piwek, a senior lecturer in Data Science at the University of Bath, echoes these sentiments, asserting that China's lenient regulatory framework fosters rapid technological advancement but also presents risks regarding data privacy and ethical dilemmas.

Geopolitical Implications

Ross Burley further asserts that the integration of Chinese AI technology into Western society poses a grave risk. He suggests that doing so is reckless, as Beijing may leverage its technological prowess for surveillance and control, both domestically and internationally. This technology could reshape Western societies, jeopardizing individual privacy and security. Burley calls for more considerable safeguards and accountability in how technology is developed and deployed.

Rafael Rodríguez Prieto, Chair of Philosophy of Law at Pablo de Olavide University, expresses similar concerns. He warns of the extensive profiles that could be created from data harvested via AI systems, saying that control could reach unprecedented levels. He highlights that what transpired in stock markets recently reflects broader geopolitical shifts rather than mere financial trends.

Consumer Protection Issues

Rodríguez Prieto points out that DeepSeek's open-source nature provides some transparency. However, he cautions that there are inherent risks to this model, as closeness to code could allow companies to wield more control.

The main burdens fall on users enamored by the promise of quick, effective solutions to their needs. Cecilia Danesi, co-director of the Master’s Degree in Ethical Governance of AI, stresses the lack of consumer protection against technology-related damages, advocating for clearer rules and greater accountability to ensure consumers can defend their interests.

The Upside of New AI Technologies

Despite these warnings, not all critiques of DeepSeek are negative. Professor Luo Mai of the University of Edinburgh highlights the benefits of the app in promoting innovative AI research, particularly in resource-limited settings. While there are clearly many pressing concerns related to data privacy, governance, and ethical implications surrounding DeepSeek, it also represents opportunities for growth and exploration within artificial intelligence.

In summary, while DeepSeek may bring advancements and opportunities, it also poses significant risks to privacy, security, and democratic principles in the West. A careful approach is essential as society navigates the complexities of integrating such technologies into everyday life.

AI, China, Technology