DeepSeek AI app. Credit: Shutterstock, mundissima
A newly proposed law in the United States could see individuals facing up to 20 years in prison or fines of up to $1 million for using DeepSeek, a Chinese AI app that has recently surged in popularity.
Businesses caught violating the restrictions could face penalties as high as $100 million.
The bill, introduced by Republican Senator Josh Hawley, aims to ban US individuals and entities from supporting China’s artificial intelligence (AI) advancements. It would also block the import of AI technology and intellectual property developed in China.
The concerns surrounding DeepSeek
DeepSeek, an AI chatbot developed in China, has quickly gained traction in the US. However, its success has raised alarms over data security, privacy risks, and its potential influence on sensitive topics. The Independent reported that DeepSeek failed to respond to questions about topics considered controversial by the Chinese Communist Party.
The app’s emergence has also impacted the US tech industry, with shares of major AI firms such as Nvidia experiencing a drop following its launch. According to Interesting Engineering, DeepSeek’s ability to perform advanced AI functions with fewer resources than competitors like OpenAI’s ChatGPT has heightened concerns over China’s growing dominance in the AI sector.
The US government has already taken action against DeepSeek. The US Navy and NASA have banned the app on government-issued devices, citing security concerns. Texas became the first state to prohibit its use on government platforms, with Governor Greg Abbott stating, “Texas will not allow the Chinese Communist Party to infiltrate our state’s critical infrastructure through data-harvesting AI.” (Cited by The Independent.)
Security analysts warn that DeepSeek could pose an even greater risk than TikTok, as its data is stored on servers in China. Bill Conner, CEO of Jitterbit and a former security advisor to the US government, stated, “DeepSeek represents a clear risk for any enterprise whose leadership values data privacy, security, and transparency.” (Cited by The Independent.)
According to The Economic Times, Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren supports the bill as a necessary step to protect national security, however, some critics argue that the move is too politically motivated and will stifle AI innovation.
What are your thoughts on DeepSeek? Would you use it? Let us know in the comments below.
