Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been making waves, and DeepSeek AI is the latest name to enter the spotlight.
With its advanced models and the internet debate about DeepSeek vs ChatGPT, DeepSeek has created curiosity and excitement among users to use it.
However, controversies like the privacy of data and country bans have sparked heated discussions.
In this blog, The TechRobot will dive deep into DeepSeek—how it works, its models and pricing, and the global controversies surrounding it.
About DeepSeek AI
DeepSeek is an artificial intelligence software company. DeepSeek AI, an AI software, was created by Liang Wenfeng (founder of DeepSeek) in May 2023.
It is trained using vast datasets to generate human-like responses, summarize text, translate languages, and even code.
This AI software has quickly become a popular choice for users looking for powerful AI-generated content and assistance.
How DeepSeek Works?
DeepSeek operates on open-source large language models (LLMs), which is similar to GPT-based AI systems.
Deepseek API platform supports multiple use cases, from chatbots to content creation and business automation.
The AI model is fine-tuned using reinforcement learning with human feedback (RLHF) to ensure that responses are relevant and accurate.
It also claims to have built-in safety features to filter out inappropriate content and misinformation.
DeepSeek AI: Models & Pricing
DeepSeek offers various models tailored to different needs. Here’s a look at the common DeepSeek AI model categories:
1. DeepSeek-V3 model- It was released in December 2024, and employs a mixture of expert architecture. It can handle a wide range of jobs. The model contains 671 billion parameters and a context length of 128,000.
2.DeepSeek-R1 model – It was released in January 2025, and relies on DeepSeek-V3. It focuses on advanced reasoning tasks. It outperformed OpenAI’s o1 model with a score of 5.5 out of 6.
Like DeepSeek-V3, this model too has 671 billion parameters and a context length of 128,000. As for pricing, it is based on a subscription-based model, with pay-as-you-go options for API access.
With a substantially lower cost structure. This pricing structure has made Deepseek more affordable than OpenAI’s GPT-4. DeepSeek-R1 price is $0.55 (input) and $2.19 (output).
People also read: ChatGPT’s O1 model tackled an ‘Impossible’ Hacking Task—should we be worried?
Controversy surrounding the Chinese AI
Despite its growing popularity, DeepSeek has found itself at the center of multiple controversies.
Data Privacy Concerns
One of the major concerns surrounding DeepSeek AI is its data collection and privacy policies.
As a China-based AI company, there are fears that user data could be accessed or monitored by the Chinese government.
Critics argue that, unlike Western AI companies, DeepSeek lacks AI transparency with regards to data storage and processing.
Several cybersecurity experts have raised questions regarding the storage of user data.
Also, are there sufficient encryption protocols enforced to protect sensitive information?
List of Countries Banning DeepSeek
Governments worldwide have started imposing restrictions on DeepSeek due to national security and data protection concerns. As of now, the following countries have banned or restricted access to DeepSeek: –
1. India
India has strongly opposed DeepSeek AI, citing concerns about its data security practices and potential national security risks.
The Ministry of Finance has warned of potential data leaks, lack of regulatory compliance, and the potential for misinformation or propaganda.
While the platform is not fully banned, access to its API and enterprise solutions has been restricted.
2. Taiwan
The Ministry of Digital Affairs in Taiwan has banned government agencies from using DeepSeek’s AI, citing concerns about cross-border transmission and information leakage.
Cross-border transmission and information leakage could affect public sector workers, critical infrastructure facilities, and state-owned enterprises in the country.
3. Italy
Italy was one of the first countries to ban this AI, citing concerns over user data protection.
An investigation into DeepSeek’s data collection methods and adherence to EU data protection regulations began in late January by Garante, the Italian Data Protection Authority.
Following the conclusion that DeepSeek’s reaction was not enough, Italy prevented access to the app and took it down from the Google and Apple app stores in Italy.
4. Australia
Due to security concerns, Australian government workers are not permitted to install or use DeepSeek’s AI app.
The Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs has advised all government bodies to prohibit the usage of DeepSeek applications and web services.
They intend to eliminate existing versions from all Australian government systems and devices. The ban is not implemented on Australian citizens.
5. South Korea
South Korea’s defense and trade ministries announced that DeepSeek’s access to work computers had been banned. They did this in response to the country’s data watchdog’s request on how the Chinese AI company handles user information.
South Korea’s defense ministry declared that DeepSeek had been prohibited from military computers connected to the internet. The trade ministry also stated that access to all PCs within the agency had been temporarily restricted.
In short, all of these countries have similar reasons for banning DeepSeek AI, which are security, privacy, or transparency in AI ethics.
FAQ
Q1. Is DeepSeek better than ChatGPT?
DeepSeek outperformed ChatGPT-4o with a score of 5.5 out of 6. Additionally, it’s a good alternative for budget-conscious users.
Q2. Is DeepSeek safe to use?
Due to the threat to data privacy and security, there have been AI restrictions globally on the use of Deepseek.
Q3. How many countries have banned DeepSeek?
Many countries like Italy, India, and Australia have banned or restricted DeepSeek.
Q4. Why is DeepSeek banned globally?
Governments are concerned about:
- Data security risks and potential Chinese government access.
- National security threats related to AI-driven misinformation.
- Regulatory non-compliance with data protection laws.
Key Takeaways
In the end, we can see that Deepseek AI has become a powerful AI tool. It has risen as a contender to ChatGPT due to its cost-effectiveness.
Despite so much potential, it lacks trust and AI transparency among users. Additionally, there are privacy concerns and national security risks identified by several countries. Due to these concerns, many countries have banned or restricted it.
But there is one silverline, they continue to gain momentum in markets, proving that AI innovation isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
People also read: Microsoft has developed an AI voice generator so realistic that it’s deemed too dangerous to release
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