Australia has officially banned DeepSeek from all government devices, citing national security risks. The decision affects all government agencies, including the Australian Electoral Commission and Bureau of Meteorology. Officials stress that the ban is not due to DeepSeek’s Chinese origin but rather concerns over data security and privacy.
DeepSeek made headlines in January after unveiling an AI chatbot that rivaled top US models at a fraction of the training cost. Its rapid success sent shockwaves through the global stock market, causing AI-related stocks, including Australia’s Brainchip, to plummet.
The ban requires government entities to prevent the use, installation, and access to DeepSeek products, removing any existing installations from official devices. However, private citizens are still free to use the AI tool. There is uncertainty regarding whether the restriction will extend to public sector computers in areas like schools.
This move is part of a broader trend where governments restrict Chinese tech over security concerns. Similar actions have been taken against companies like Huawei and TikTok, raising questions about the increasing political dimension of technology regulation.
DeepSeek’s security concerns have gained global attention. Regulators in South Korea, Ireland, and France are investigating its data handling practices, while Italy has already removed the chatbot from app stores due to privacy issues. The White House has also begun evaluating its security implications, considering how AI tools store and analyze user data.
The controversy extends beyond privacy risks. DeepSeek faces accusations of leveraging US technology to advance its AI capabilities. OpenAI has expressed concerns that rival companies, including those in China, may be benefiting from its research.
As AI continues to evolve, governments worldwide are becoming more cautious about emerging technologies. Australia’s decision highlights the growing debate between technological advancement and national security, shaping the future of AI regulation.
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