Artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek has resumed allowing customers to access its API, following a brief suspension due to server capacity shortages. The company’s move comes as the tech industry grapples with the European Union’s AI regulations and their impact on small and medium-sized businesses.
DeepSeek, which gained popularity last month after releasing an AI model that rivals OpenAI’s at a fraction of the cost, will now allow customers to top up credits for its API. However, server resources will still be strained during peak periods.
The company’s popularity has raised questions about the need for massive spending on AI projects and whether innovation can come without unsustainable costs. Industry figures have debated DeepSeek’s spending claims, with some questioning the cost of its final training round.
Other experts, such as Andrew Wells, chief data and AI officer at NTT Data, have discussed the challenges of innovating with generative AI while ensuring privacy and regulatory compliance. The EU’s Code of Practice for general-purpose AI models is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring responsible AI development.
However, the code’s delay has sparked concerns that tech companies are resisting regulations, including Meta’s refusal to sign the voluntary agreement. Advocates like Max Tegmark worry that this could lead to weakened safety provisions and a lack of transparency.
Despite these challenges, regulatory action has gained momentum globally, with efforts to promote AI innovation and safety. The Future of Life Institute’s efforts, including an open letter calling for a six-month moratorium on advanced AI models, have contributed to the growing conversation about AI regulation.
Source: https://www.pymnts.com/news/artificial-intelligence/2025/deepseek-resumes-allowing-ai-access-following-capacity-shortages