DeepSeek made headlines in January when it introduced a chatbot that matched the performance of its US competitors while claiming a significantly lower training cost
The Australian government has imposed a ban on the use of DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup, across all government systems and devices, citing significant national security concerns.
DeepSeek made headlines in January when it introduced a chatbot that matched the performance of its US competitors while claiming a significantly lower training cost. However, the app’s rapid rise has now been overshadowed by apprehensions about its data privacy practices and potential risks to national security.
The Australian government has insisted that the decision is not based on DeepSeek’s Chinese origin but rather on the “unacceptable risk” the application poses. Government agencies have been instructed to prevent the installation or use of DeepSeek products, applications, and web services and to remove any existing instances from their systems.
This ban affects various departments, including the Australian Electoral Commission and the Bureau of Meteorology. However, it remains unclear whether public sector organisations, such as schools, will also fall under the directive. The ban does not extend to private citizens, who remain free to use the application.
DeepSeek has yet to comment on the development.
Rising Security Concerns
The move underscores growing global concerns about Chinese technology. Western countries have previously taken a cautious stance towards Chinese firms, such as telecom giant Huawei and social media platform TikTok, citing national security risks.
Kieren McCarthy from Oxford Information Labs remarked, “This is increasingly the approach adopted by governments whenever there is any question over security. It adds a political dimension to all new tech and heralds an end to the days when technology was king.”
DeepSeek initially saw a more welcoming reception compared to other Chinese technologies. The chatbot quickly became the most downloaded free app in the UK and US. Former US President Donald Trump even described it as a “wake-up call” for the US, suggesting it could have positive implications by reducing AI costs.
However, concerns have since escalated. In January, an Australian science minister warned of the need for caution, citing potential data and privacy risks associated with the AI tool.
Global Scrutiny
DeepSeek has faced mounting regulatory challenges worldwide. Italy temporarily removed it from app stores over concerns about its privacy policy, while authorities in South Korea, Ireland, and France have launched investigations into how the app handles user data.
Reports have surfaced that the US Navy has banned its members from using the application, although this has not been officially confirmed. The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, stated that the US is now reviewing the potential security implications of the app.
DeepSeek’s practice of storing user data on servers in China has further fuelled concerns. Security experts have long warned about the risks of entering sensitive information into AI chatbots, as developers often analyse the data to improve their products.
There are also allegations that DeepSeek has unfairly leveraged US technology. OpenAI has reportedly accused Chinese rivals, including DeepSeek, of using its work to accelerate their AI advancements.
Australia’s decision to ban DeepSeek highlights the increasingly cautious stance governments are adopting as they navigate the complex intersection of national security, technological innovation, and international competition.
