DeepSeek AI Tracks, Stores User Data in China-Based Servers
China-based startup DeepSeek’s AI Large Language Model (LLM) made waves a few weeks ago for its relatively rapid rollout as a competitor to U.S.-based AI juggernauts like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. The technology underpinning the platform has proven to be significantly more efficient, including an open-source option, making it massively more cost-effective and open, than its competitors.
Unfortunately, as with other China-based apps such as TikTok, the company’s data practices have raised concerns about their privacy settings, especially when it comes to collecting user data.
“[T]he company records extensive data from its online users, including keystrokes, passwords, and data entered in queries like images and text, and then stores it in China-based servers.
Personal information, including date of birth, email addresses, phone numbers, and passwords, are all fair game, according to DeepSeek,” reported technology blog Tom’s Hardware.
These privacy concerns are currently regarding the hosted DeepSeek application that most users are interacting with currently, the open source “run your own” dataset AI version is not presently known to interact with DeepSeek-owned servers.
DeepSeek’s data collection practices have also drawn attention due to their cybersecurity practices: Security firm Wiz.Io cataloged a variety of publicly accessible user data and information, including user chat history, API keys, backend details, and operational metadata.
The Chinese government’s history of throttling and intercepting internet-based data has long raised controversy. This includes the immensely popular TikTok app, which has been marked for a potential ban in the U.S.
AI-based programs have traditionally been secretive about their data sources and collection activity, meaning that any company that chooses to incorporate them runs the risk of data breaches, leaks, and interception. We recommend overall that businesses steer clear of providing sensitive data to these platforms until greater protections and transparency are in place.
Not sure what to do about AI-based platforms? Worried about data leaks in general? Nodal can help! Contact us today!