DeepSeek

We have all heard about Artificial Intelligence, AI. Is it safe for us to use? In January 2025, China released a new artificial intelligence, DeepSeek R1. The release comes from the Chinese tech company Alibaba. The company claims that this model surpasses what American companies have unveiled.

While any AI apps can be viewed as dangerous, we in the US worry more about apps provided by China. There can be a risk due to privacy laws in China. Data can be collected from the user’s interest and voice commands. When we log in from different devices more data is obtained. The app will track your device ID as well as your personal ID.

Chinese privacy laws differ from those in the United States. There is an agreement in China that companies will collaborate and assist with Chinese intelligence. This could result in data being held for the Chinese government’s use. This is different in the US, where an agency would require court approval to access data technology companies have obtained.

DeepSeek openly states that it is collecting your data. They are not keeping this a secret. It will be maintained and delivered to China. The app is not the issue; how the data is collected, what data is collected and stored, and who has authority over this data are the problems.

AI apps are attractive. They draw us in innocently without much thought to the consequences of what happens to your data. Deepseek claims to be able not only ansewr complex math problems it can but also provide reasoning with each step. This app is like a teacher in your pocket. While all of this is tempting to use. Personas can be created based on an individual’s likes and dislikes. There is the possibility of being falsely influenced.

As with all apps, check the privacy and do not share sensitive information or photos. Think before you download.