DeepSeek, a Chinese AI chatbot, has quickly gained popularity in the U.S., topping the Apple and Play Store charts while also being integrated into major cloud platforms like Microsoft. However, concerns over data security have led hundreds of companies, particularly those with government ties, to block the service, according to Bloomberg.
Cybersecurity experts warn that the chatbot poses a risk of data exposure to the Chinese government. Nadir Izrael, CTO of Armis, stated that the biggest concern is potential data leakage, as Chinese laws require companies to provide intelligence agencies with user data upon request.
Fox Rothschild, a major San Francisco law firm, has also blocked DeepSeek, citing similar concerns. Additionally, the Pentagon has begun restricting access to the chatbot, following the U.S. Navy’s decision to ban it last week.
DeepSeek’s privacy policy confirms that all user data is stored in China, fueling fears about government access and data privacy. As worries over AI security grow, more businesses and agencies may take similar action against the chatbot in the coming weeks.
