U.S. Navy bans DeepSeek over security and ethical issues
- The U.S. Navy prohibited all personnel from using DeepSeek's AI technology as of January 24, 2025.
- Concerns were raised about security and ethical issues linked to the app's Chinese origins.
- This decision underlines the Navy's commitment to safeguarding national security in the face of rising competition in AI technologies.
The U.S. Navy has instructed its members to refrain from using DeepSeek, an artificial intelligence app developed in China. On January 24, 2025, the Navy issued a warning via email to all personnel, categorically stating that DeepSeek's AI should not be used for any work-related tasks or personal use. This decision was primarily driven by potential security and ethical concerns related to the app's origins and usage, particularly in light of the Chinese government's data-sharing policies which raise alarms among U.S. cybersecurity experts. DeepSeek recently gained attention for releasing its powerful R1 reasoning AI model, which has been noted to rival technologies created by leading U.S. AI firms like OpenAI. Remarkably, DeepSeek reportedly developed its model at a fraction of the cost and time that its American counterparts typically require, fueling further competition in the artificial intelligence field. The Naval Air Warfare Center Division Cyber Workforce Manager recommended the ban, highlighting the risks associated with a technology linked to the Chinese Communist Party. The memo sent to the Navy personnel also emphasized that this move was crucial to safeguarding U.S. interests, especially considering the intricate nature of AI technologies and the potential for unauthorized data access and tracking that could undermine national security. The warning aligns with broader concerns regarding technological dependencies and the necessity for stringent evaluations of foreign-made applications by the U.S. military and government entities. This cautionary approach reflects a growing wariness towards Chinese technology impacting U.S. industries, given the heightened race for AI supremacy between the two nations. Prominent figures in the tech arena, including President Donald Trump and venture capitalist David Sacks, have acknowledged this competition as critical, suggesting that U.S. tech companies must innovate rapidly to maintain their standing against aggressive advancements in China, as exemplified by DeepSeek's rising profile in tech circles.