TAIPEI – Taiwan has officially prohibited government workers and personnel at critical infrastructure facilities from using DeepSeek, a Chinese AI product, citing concerns over potential threats to national security.
DeepSeek, which introduced its R1 chatbot last month, has raised alarms due to its impressive capabilities, rivaling leading AI technology in the U.S. at a fraction of the cost. Despite stringent U.S. restrictions on Chinese firms’ access to advanced chips required for large-scale AI models, DeepSeek’s entry into the AI market has sparked both excitement and skepticism globally.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs issued a statement on Friday, asserting that the product, being of Chinese origin, poses risks related to cross-border data transmission and possible leaks of sensitive information. The ministry’s concerns highlight the broader issue of Taiwan’s national information security, especially given its ongoing tensions with China.
Since 2019, Taiwan has been actively regulating and restricting government agencies from using ICT products that may compromise national security, and the DeepSeek ban adds to this list.
Earlier this week, DeepSeek’s database was exposed, revealing chat prompts and internal data that may raise further concerns. This follows similar scrutiny from other countries, including South Korea, Ireland, France, Australia, and Italy, who have raised questions regarding DeepSeek’s data management practices. South Korea and Ireland’s data watchdogs have already expressed intentions to seek clarity from DeepSeek on its handling of user data. Meanwhile, Italy recently launched an investigation into the R1 chatbot, halting its use for Italian users.
As discussions around DeepSeek’s influence on AI development continue, some experts are debating whether this product could represent a turning point for Silicon Valley, signaling changes in the global AI landscape. Despite the controversies, DeepSeek’s rapid growth and cost-effective solutions may make it a significant player in the industry.
The chaos surrounding DeepSeek suggests that while the U.S. remains at the forefront of AI technology, geopolitical factors and market dynamics may increasingly play a role in determining future technological outcomes.
This move by Taiwan is a part of a broader global examination of Chinese AI products, as countries remain cautious about their potential impact on data security and national sovereignty.
