Neha BaruahDeepSeek AI: A Chinese application
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI application, is facing heightened scrutiny over privacy and security concerns. Several governments have implemented restrictions on its use, particularly within official environments. India’s Finance Ministry recently advised employees against utilizing AI tools like DeepSeek and ChatGPT, citing risks to sensitive government data. This decision aligns with India’s broader initiative to develop its own AI models for global competition.
Privacy Concerns Surrounding DeepSeek
Investigations into DeepSeek’s data collection practices have raised red flags among privacy watchdogs, particularly in Europe. Concerns stem from DeepSeek’s privacy policy, which indicates that user data is stored on Chinese servers, sparking fears of potential access by Chinese authorities.
Nations Taking Action Against DeepSeek
Several countries have taken steps to limit or ban DeepSeek:
- Italy: One of the first nations to implement a ban, following concerns raised by its Data Protection Agency.
- Taiwan: Prohibited DeepSeek’s use within government agencies due to national security risks.
- Australia: Advised government employees to avoid using the application over similar concerns.
US Government’s Stance
In the United States, multiple federal agencies have issued warnings about DeepSeek’s risks. The US Congress has restricted its use on official devices, while agencies such as the US Navy and NASA have enforced bans to mitigate security threats.
India’s AI Development Strategy
In response to global AI concerns, India’s Electronics and IT Minister announced an initiative to develop domestic AI foundational models. These efforts aim to enhance data security by ensuring storage and processing occur on Indian servers. This strategy is a crucial step in India’s ambition to become a key player in AI, competing with industry leaders like the US and China.
The IndiaAI Mission
- Budget: ₹10,000 crore allocated for AI advancements.
- Objective: To empower researchers, startups, and academic institutions with AI technology and computing power.
AI Compute Infrastructure in India
- 18,000 high-end GPUs deployed, with 10,000 accessible for AI development.
- Purpose: To democratize AI accessibility, similar to the Digital India initiative.
- Impact: Enables affordable AI research and innovation for universities, startups, and independent researchers.
Challenges in Enforcing DeepSeek Bans
Despite national bans, fully eliminating DeepSeek’s usage remains challenging. Users can deploy its open-source AI model locally, ensuring data remains private. Additionally, third-party platforms offering access to DeepSeek further complicate enforcement measures.
The Future of AI Amid Security Concerns
As AI technology evolves, nations must navigate the fine balance between innovation and security. The DeepSeek controversy underscores the broader implications of AI in privacy and national security, reinforcing the need for proactive measures in global AI governance.
Neha Baruah
