DeepSeek, a Chinese-made artificial intelligence chatbot, is facing serious scrutiny in the United States, with lawmakers pushing for a potential ban. The concerns stem from fears over user data security and the chatbot’s alleged ties to the Chinese government. The controversy began after a report by U.S. cybersecurity firm Feroot Security, which discovered that DeepSeek’s software contained hidden code capable of transmitting user data to China Mobile, a state-owned telecommunications giant.

This revelation prompted Representative Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, along with Illinois Representative Darin LaHood, to introduce a bill aimed at banning DeepSeek from being used on government devices. They argue that DeepSeek poses an “alarming threat to U.S. national security” and could be exploited by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to collect sensitive data and spread disinformation.

The controversy surrounding DeepSeek is not limited to the U.S. Several countries, including South Korea, Australia, France, and Italy, have already raised concerns about the AI’s data practices. South Korea has blocked the software from government systems, while Australia has followed suit after receiving warnings from security agencies. Similarly, France and Italy have expressed unease over the potential misuse of user information.

This latest challenge for DeepSeek comes as the company, a Chinese startup, has been rapidly gaining attention for its impressive low-cost chatbot, which has stirred up competition with Western companies dominating the AI sector. However, concerns about DeepSeek’s affiliations and its data management practices continue to mount, leading to international calls for greater scrutiny of the Chinese AI company.

In addition to the U.S. ban proposal, DeepSeek is facing similar restrictions in other regions. Countries like India and South Korea have also taken steps to limit or regulate the AI’s access due to its alleged data privacy risks.

The controversy also highlights broader geopolitical tensions regarding China’s growing influence in the technology sector, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence. The international community’s focus on securing data and protecting privacy has intensified, and DeepSeek’s rise is now under a global spotlight as both a technological marvel and a potential national security threat.

As discussions continue to unfold, the future of DeepSeek remains uncertain, with lawmakers and cybersecurity experts advocating for tighter regulations and a deeper investigation into the potential dangers posed by this AI chatbot