The US House of Representatives is currently assessing the safety of DeepSeek, an artificial intelligence (AI) tool originating from China. A temporary ban on using this application on government devices has been issued to ensure information security amid growing concerns.
Warning from the US Government
According to a statement by Catherine Szpindor, Chief of Staff of the House Administration, all House employees are prohibited from accessing or installing DeepSeek on any government-issued devices. “Threat actors could exploit DeepSeek to distribute malware and infect devices with malicious code,” Szpindor emphasized.
US House concerned about DeepSeek
With a strong academic background in information systems, Catherine Szpindor understands the potential risks of installing foreign applications on government devices. This concern was also echoed by House Speaker Mike Johnson during a meeting in Florida, where he warned that China could use DeepSeek to steal intellectual property and outpace the US in AI development.
However, President Donald Trump holds a contrasting view. He stated that DeepSeek represents a positive advancement in AI technology, although security concerns remain unresolved.
Trend of Banning Foreign Technologies
It’s not just DeepSeek; previously, the US House also banned employees from using the free version of ChatGPT, requiring them to switch to the paid version for better accuracy and safety. This isn’t the first time the US has restricted foreign technologies. During his first term, President Trump issued a ban on TikTok for government devices to prevent the leakage of sensitive information.
International Concerns
The emergence of DeepSeek has drawn attention not only in the US but also raised concerns among several Western nations. In Italy, the Personal Data Protection Authority (GPDP) removed the app from Google Play and App Store, citing high risks to the personal data of millions of citizens.
Similarly, Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) expressed concerns about information security when using DeepSeek. In Australia, Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic advised users to exercise caution when interacting with this chatbot.
Meanwhile, South Korea is also expected to investigate how DeepSeek manages user information. If violations are found, the government may impose a complete ban on the app.
Silence from DeepSeek and the Chinese Government
Despite numerous allegations regarding security and data collection, both DeepSeek and the Chinese government have remained silent. This silence has only heightened international suspicion.
Conclusion
The debate surrounding DeepSeek reflects growing concerns about cybersecurity and privacy in the AI era. Balancing technological benefits with security risks will continue to be a significant challenge for nations. To ensure safety, users should thoroughly research before installing or using new AI tools.
Read more: What is DeepSeek and why is it causing global concern?
