Is DeepSeek Safe to Use For US & EU Citizens? All The Facts You Need to Know! [UPDATED]

DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence platform, has skyrocketed in popularity, even topping the US App Store charts as the most downloaded app. With its powerful chatbots and open-source large language models, it promises innovation at an unprecedented scale and cost.

However, President Donald Trump warned on Monday that the sudden rise of DeepSeek “should be a wake-up call” for America’s tech companies. While its runaway success highlights China’s rapid advancements in AI, it also raises serious concerns for users in the US and Europe. Recent investigations confirm that DeepSeek explicitly sends US user data to China, raising alarms about privacy risks, compliance with Western data protection laws, and potential government oversight. Could this seemingly harmless app become the next major digital threat to Western privacy and security?

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the facts behind DeepSeek’s rapid rise, its data practices, and what it means for citizens in Europe and the US. Whether you’re a casual user or considering it for business, we’ll break down all the details you need to know to stay safe and informed.

What Is DeepSeek?

DeepSeek is an ambitious Chinese AI startup founded in 2023 in Hangzhou by Liang Wenfeng, a graduate of Zhejiang University and co-founder of High-Flyer, one of China’s leading hedge funds. The company focuses on creating state-of-the-art large language models (LLMs) that directly compete with dominant US-based systems like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. What sets DeepSeek apart is its emphasis on efficiency—claiming to develop cutting-edge AI models at a fraction of the cost of its Western competitors.

Key Features and Technology

DeepSeek’s technology leverages “inference-time computing,” an innovative method that activates only the most relevant parts of the model for each query. This approach reduces costs and computation power while maintaining high performance. Its flagship models, such as DeepSeek-R1 and DeepSeek-V3, are praised for their reasoning capabilities and coding efficiency.

DeepSeek offers several services aimed at different user segments:

• AI Chat and Creativity Tools: Users can ask questions, generate creative content, summarize information, or solve logic problems through its app or web interface.
• Developer APIs: Businesses and developers can integrate DeepSeek’s models into their workflows via APIs, allowing for customized solutions.
• Open-Source Options: For tech-savvy users, DeepSeek provides downloadable models that can run locally, giving more control over data and usage.

This multi-tiered approach has helped DeepSeek appeal to both casual users and technical communities. The app quickly rose to prominence, becoming the top download on the US App Store shortly after its release, demonstrating its global appeal.

Cost-Effective Innovation

DeepSeek’s ability to create competitive AI models at a lower cost is central to its success. The company claims to have developed its R1 model for just $6 million, a fraction of the reported $100 million spent by OpenAI on its latest models. By relying on advanced optimization techniques and using less powerful Nvidia chips, such as the H800 or A100, DeepSeek has positioned itself as a disruptor in the AI space.

However, there are skeptics. Some experts argue that these claims may be exaggerated, suggesting that DeepSeek might have access to restricted Nvidia H100 GPUs despite export controls. Others believe that its efficiency claims omit significant upfront research costs, potentially making the development process less transparent.

Privacy and Security Concerns

As DeepSeek gains popularity worldwide, questions about its safety and data privacy practices have come under intense scrutiny, particularly from users in the US and Europe.

The platform’s data collection policies, its compliance with Chinese laws, and its potential relationship with the Chinese government have raised serious concerns.

Recent reports confirm that DeepSeek is directly transmitting chat logs and user information to servers in China. Unlike TikTok, which moved US data to domestic cloud hosting to ease concerns, DeepSeek’s privacy policy explicitly states that all collected user data is stored on servers in the People’s Republic of China. This includes messages, uploaded files, and even keystroke patterns. Security researchers warn that this level of data collection surpasses what TikTok was previously criticized for, increasing the risk of foreign surveillance.

Data Collection and Storage

DeepSeek’s privacy policy explicitly states that all collected user data is stored on servers located in the People’s Republic of China. A WIRED investigation confirmed that all interactions with the AI—chat messages, prompts, uploaded files, and even keystroke patterns—are actively sent back to China. The policy further clarifies that DeepSeek retains the right to collect and analyze user data for improving its models. In contrast to OpenAI or Google’s models, which offer user controls over data retention, DeepSeek provides no clear transparency on how long user data is stored or whether it is shared with third parties.

This is standard practice for many AI platforms, but what sets DeepSeek apart is its jurisdiction. Chinese laws, such as the 2017 National Intelligence Law, allow the government to request access to company-held data, raising concerns about how secure this information truly is.

Government Access and Compliance

DeepSeek acknowledges that it will comply with legal obligations, which could include handing over user data to Chinese authorities.

Security researchers warn that DeepSeek’s compliance with Chinese laws, particularly the 2017 National Intelligence Law, makes its international expansion a significant security risk. Unlike Western AI platforms that disclose their content moderation policies, DeepSeek operates under an opaque regulatory environment where the Chinese government can compel companies to share data for national security purposes. This level of potential oversight raises alarms not only in the US but also in Europe, where GDPR regulations impose strict restrictions on the transfer of user data outside the EU.

For users in the US or Europe, this presents a significant risk:

• In the US: Policymakers have already flagged Chinese tech companies like TikTok over fears of surveillance or data misuse. DeepSeek’s practices may invite similar scrutiny.
• In the EU: Data storage in China could conflict with the GDPR, which mandates strict rules for transferring data outside the European Economic Area. Without adequate safeguards, DeepSeek may be non-compliant with EU regulations.

DeepSeek’s Position in China

DeepSeek has rapidly become a symbol of China’s growing ambitions in artificial intelligence. Its success aligns with the country’s broader strategy to become a global leader in AI innovation and reduce dependence on foreign technology. By developing competitive AI models domestically, DeepSeek contributes to the Chinese government’s goal of achieving technological self-sufficiency.

While the company operates independently, its growth benefits from an environment where AI development is actively encouraged through state funding, favorable policies, and strategic initiatives. This alignment with national priorities has raised concerns in the West about the potential influence of the Chinese government over the company’s operations.

Relationship With the Chinese Government

Though there’s no direct evidence of DeepSeek’s collaboration with the Chinese government, its operations exist within a regulatory framework that enables state oversight. Chinese laws, such as the 2017 National Intelligence Law, require companies to cooperate with national security investigations if requested. This has led to fears that DeepSeek could be obligated to share user data or allow indirect government influence over its AI models.

These concerns are compounded by reports of censorship in DeepSeek’s chat responses, which often avoid politically sensitive topics like the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests or Taiwan’s sovereignty. Such behavior reflects the strict regulatory environment within which Chinese tech companies must operate, further raising questions about DeepSeek’s neutrality and independence.

Investigations have also revealed that DeepSeek sends user data to Chinese tech companies like Baidu and Volces, likely for analytics and infrastructure support. This raises concerns about whether third-party firms—some potentially tied to government agencies—may have access to user interactions with the AI.

Is DeepSeek Biased or Censored?

DeepSeek has faced criticism for its approach to politically sensitive topics, particularly those involving China. Users report that the platform avoids answering questions about events like the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, Taiwan’s sovereignty, or human rights controversies.

WIRED’s analysis found that DeepSeek not only refuses to engage with these topics but also structures responses in a way that aligns with official Chinese state narratives. Given that all chat logs are stored in China, this raises further concerns about potential government oversight of the AI’s output.

Instead, these queries are met with vague refusals or apologies, aligning with Chinese regulatory requirements to suppress such discussions.

In contrast, DeepSeek provides detailed answers on similar issues related to other countries, highlighting selective censorship that raises key concerns:

• Bias in AI Responses: DeepSeek’s answers may subtly align with Chinese state narratives, potentially influencing users’ understanding of geopolitical issues.
• Erosion of Trust: Censorship undermines the perception of the platform as a neutral, reliable source of information.
• Global Influence: The AI’s compliance with Chinese content laws sparks concerns about its potential role in spreading state-influenced narratives internationally.

Why Does This Matter?

The selective moderation of politically sensitive content raises several important concerns:

1. Bias in AI Outputs

By refusing to address topics critical of China, DeepSeek’s responses may subtly reinforce narratives aligned with Chinese state policies. This bias could influence users’ understanding of geopolitical issues, particularly for those who rely heavily on AI-generated information.

For instance:

• A user unfamiliar with the Tiananmen Square protests might receive no useful information about the event, leaving them unaware of its historical significance.
• Similarly, questions about Taiwan’s sovereignty could lead to incomplete or one-sided answers, depending on how the AI is programmed to frame the issue.

This bias not only impacts individual understanding but also raises broader concerns about how AI systems might shape public opinion over time.

2. Erosion of User Trust

Censorship undermines confidence in the platform’s ability to provide balanced and accurate information. Users seeking a reliable tool for education, research, or debate may feel betrayed if they discover that certain topics are off-limits or distorted. Trust is particularly crucial for AI platforms marketed as neutral and innovative, and any perception of hidden agendas could alienate users.

3. Global Concerns About Propaganda

For Western governments and regulators, DeepSeek’s content moderation policies raise red flags about the potential for AI platforms to act as tools of soft power or propaganda. Even if DeepSeek itself is not explicitly designed to push a political agenda, its compliance with Chinese censorship laws may lead to unintended consequences:

Casual vs. Critical Use Cases

The impact of this censorship varies depending on how users interact with the platform. For casual users focused on tasks like creative writing, coding, or document summarization, these limitations may not be a significant issue. Such activities are typically unaffected by political bias or content moderation policies.

However, for those engaging in sensitive research, historical analysis, or political discussions, DeepSeek’s limitations can create significant barriers:

• Students and academics seeking information about events like Tiananmen Square may find the AI’s responses unhelpful or misleading.
• Activists or journalists looking for context on Chinese policies may encounter roadblocks, reducing the platform’s utility for investigative work.

DeepSeek’s Censorship vs. Other Platforms

While all AI platforms moderate content to some degree, DeepSeek’s approach appears more restrictive compared to Western competitors like ChatGPT or Google Bard. These platforms may still avoid certain controversial topics, but their moderation policies often reflect global ethical standards rather than the legal requirements of a single country.

For example:

• OpenAI’s ChatGPT sometimes avoids controversial issues, but it provides nuanced explanations about why certain responses are limited.
• Google’s AI platforms have been criticized for certain biases but generally attempt to maintain a global perspective on politically sensitive issues.

DeepSeek, in contrast, provides less transparency and fewer explanations about why specific content is restricted. This lack of clarity can make users feel uncertain about the platform’s reliability.

Conclusion: Should You Use DeepSeek?

While DeepSeek offers innovative features and cost-effective solutions, its data practices and compliance with Chinese regulations raise serious concerns for users in the US and Europe.

It has been confirmed that DeepSeek actively transmits user data to China, making it one of the most privacy-invasive AI platforms available today. For users in regions with strict data protection laws, such as the EU, this could make DeepSeek non-compliant with GDPR regulations, potentially exposing companies and individuals to legal risks.

Its selective censorship and potential bias also limit its reliability for certain tasks, particularly those involving politically sensitive topics.

Recommendations

• Avoid sharing sensitive or confidential information: Given WIRED’s confirmation that DeepSeek explicitly sends all chat data to China, users should assume that any input can be accessed by Chinese entities.
• Consider US-based alternatives: Platforms like ChatGPT or Google Bard offer more transparent data policies and align better with Western privacy regulations.
• Use sandboxed or hosted versions: If you must use DeepSeek, consider running its open-source models locally on your device to avoid data transmission. Some platforms, like Perplexity AI, claim to host DeepSeek in US and EU data centers, which may offer a safer alternative.

DeepSeek’s rise highlights the importance of understanding the legal and regulatory frameworks behind the tools we use. While its technology is impressive, users should weigh the risks carefully before relying on it for critical applications.