Microsoft has banned its employees from using the DeepSeek AI application. The decision aims to protect data security and counter propaganda risks.
Microsoft President Brad Smith announced the ban during a Senate hearing on U.S.-China AI competition. Additionally, DeepSeek is not available in Microsoft’s app store.
Concerns Behind the Ban
DeepSeek is developed by a Chinese startup. Microsoft fears user data might be sent back to China. The app may also present content influenced by state-backed propaganda.
DeepSeek’s privacy policy states user information is stored on Chinese servers. This data storage subjects users to Chinese laws requiring cooperation with intelligence agencies.
The AI application is reported to heavily censor sensitive topics. DeepSeek’s privacy policy and Chinese legal mandates are central to these concerns.
Several governments and organizations have restricted DeepSeek. The U.S. Navy and NASA prohibit its use. Italy and Australia banned the app on government devices. These actions highlight increasing global anxiety. Senate hearing remarks also emphasized the risks.
Microsoft’s Approach to DeepSeek
Earlier this year, Microsoft made DeepSeek’s R1 AI model available on Azure cloud. However, it modified the model to remove harmful effects. Details about these modifications remain undisclosed. Microsoft President Brad Smith’s statement clarified the company’s position.
DeepSeek being open source means anyone can host the model locally, avoiding data transfer to China. Still, risks of propaganda and insecure outputs persist.
This decision reflects a broader scrutiny of AI technologies from regions with different data protection laws and political oversight. The move signals growing vigilance about AI’s security and geopolitical impact.
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