Global DeepSeek Enforcement Action Commences
It's a week since Chinese AI company DeepSeek released its DeepSeek-R1 model, challenging American offerings at a fraction of the cost. Now, countries worldwide are scrutinizing the firm, as per the Wall Street Journal. Italy's Data Protection Authority started an inquiry, focusing on DeepSeek's failure to disclose user data collection, processing, and storage. The probe comes after Taiwan's digital ministry advised against using DeepSeek due to security concerns, and South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission planned to question DeepSeek over data handling. France, Belgium, and Ireland have similarly begun investigations, while the US Commerce Department is reportedly investigating DeepSeek's use of American-made chips.
The Italian DPA raised concerns about DeepSeek's lack of transparency regarding data collection, processing, and storage. As a result, the agency issued a restraining order against both Chinese AI companies linked to DeepSeek. With the probe underway, DeepSeek access is blocked in Italy. This isn't the first time China's innovation is facing backlash.
Wiz Research discovered a vulnerable database belonging to DeepSeek, exposing chat histories and sensitive information. The leak raised concerns about data privacy, emphasizing the importance of protecting sensitive information. With various countries probing DeepSeek, it's wise to be cautious about who accesses your personal information.
It's not just the western world expressing concerns. Taiwan has banned government departments from using DeepSeek, calling it a security risk. NowSecure identified multiple security and privacy issues in DeepSeek's iOS app, recommending enterprises and agencies to remove it from their managed and BYOD environments.
Meanwhile, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is meeting with Trump in Washington, D.C., to discuss potential measures defending American firms from foreign threats like DeepSeek. Nvidia saw its stock price fall following the AI model's launch, proving that these privacy issues could pose economic risks.
Enrichment Data:- Italian Investigation: The Italian Data Protection Authority (Garante) has launched an investigation into DeepSeek's data processing practices, focusing on the collection, use, and storage of personal data related to its chatbot services.- Database Leak: Researchers at Wiz discovered a publicly accessible database belonging to DeepSeek that leaked sensitive data, including chat history.- Global Ban and Restrictions: Taiwan has banned government departments from using DeepSeek, calling it a security risk. NowSecure has identified multiple security and privacy issues in the DeepSeek iOS app, urging enterprises and agencies to remove it from their environments.
The Italian Garante is scrutinizing DeepSeek's use of artificial-intelligence technology, specifically its chatbot services, due to concerns over data collection, use, and storage. This investigation follows a wave of global restrictions, as Taiwan has banned the use of DeepSeek in government departments due to perceived security risks.
Moreover, the future of DeepSeek's tech in the global market is uncertain, as security experts have identified multiple vulnerabilities in its iOS app, necessitating enterprises and agencies to reconsider its use.
