DeepSeek AI Assistant Sparks Data Security Concerns

DeepSeek’s rise to popularity has raised concerns about data security, particularly with its ties to China. Like TikTok, a social media platform that was banned in the US last year due to national security fears, DeepSeek’s user data is sent back to cloud servers in China, where it can be accessed by the government.

US lawmakers are now introducing legislation to ban the app on all government devices, citing the risk of Chinese espionage. Cybersecurity experts warn that China has the capabilities and motivation to mine massive amounts of data from DeepSeek and combine it with other sources to build profiles of American users.

To stay safe while using DeepSeek or other AI models, experts recommend taking precautions such as setting strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, keeping devices and software up to date, and being skeptical of personal questions asked by the model. They also advise reading terms and conditions carefully and turning off permissions that allow data sharing from other parts of your device.

Ultimately, the key is to be aware of the risks associated with using AI-based apps and take steps to protect your personal information.

Source: https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software