Australia Voices Privacy Concerns Over China’s AI Chatbot DeepSeek Amid Global Buzz
Australia has flagged caution over the Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek, which recently became the top-rated free app on Apple’s App Store in the U.S., even sparking a temporary crash in the U.S. stock market. Australian Science Minister Ed Husic expressed concerns about privacy and data management associated with the app, urging users to remain cautious.
“There are a lot of questions about quality, consumer preferences, and privacy management that need to be answered,” Husic told ABC, emphasizing the differences in data policies between Chinese and Western companies.
DeepSeek, developed by Liang Wenfeng’s AI startup, has gained global attention for its performance and affordability, outpacing competitors like OpenAI’s ChatGPT. However, its privacy standards have raised alarms in markets with stricter expectations for data security.
Husic acknowledged China’s prowess in product development but questioned whether DeepSeek would find the same success in markets wary of data surveillance. “The minute you export it to markets with different expectations, the real test begins,” he noted.
The app’s rapid rise has impressed many, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, but it also drew scrutiny after facing a cyberattack and temporarily limiting new users.
Australia’s concerns echo its 2018 decision to ban Chinese tech giant Huawei from its 5G network due to national security risks. As DeepSeek continues to challenge industry norms, questions about its global reception and long-term impact on AI competition remain.
