New York bans DeepSeek over security concerns

In January 2023, New York State officials took a decisive action by banning the artificial intelligence application known as DeepSeek from government devices. Citing security concerns, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the ban following warnings from experts regarding the app's potential to send user data to the Chinese government due to hidden code in its programming. The decision reflects the state's commitment to protecting public safety and privacy by tackling possible cyber threats and foreign surveillance. Additionally, this move aligns with recent legislative efforts to regulate the use of AI in government operations in New York. DeepSeek gained notoriety for surpassing popular AI models like ChatGPT, raising alarms among U.S. officials over its implications for national security. Developed by a research lab linked to a Chinese hedge fund, it quickly rose to prominence in the Apple App Store, attracting attention from both the tech industry and regulators in the United States. Experts warned that DeepSeek's functionality could be exploited to harvest sensitive user data and technology secrets, which escalated scrutiny of this mainland China-based application. In response to growing concerns, bipartisan support in Congress emerged for similar bans on federal devices. Lawmakers emphasized the necessity of safeguarding American citizens' data and preventing the Chinese Communist Party from leveraging foreign technology for espionage. This coordinated response underscores the urgency of addressing national security risks and the broader competition in AI technology between the U.S. and China. The proposed legislative measures aim to prevent the potential misuse of advanced AI developed by foreign entities. The Chinese government has publicly refuted the allegations related to DeepSeek, asserting that it prioritizes data privacy and security. Officials in China stated that they do not compel companies to compromise data integrity contrary to legal standards. Despite these claims, U.S. officials remain skeptical about the safety of employing Chinese technology, highlighting deep-rooted fears about foreign influence over critical information systems. The growing importance of technology in geopolitical dynamics further complicates the landscape, suggesting that the debate over DeepSeek and related AI applications will continue as security measures evolve.