In a significant step to bolster national security, Australia has officially banned the use of DeepSeek on all government devices. This sweeping measure requires government entities to prevent the installation or use of DeepSeek products, applications, and web services while also ensuring the removal of any previously installed versions.
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The ban affects a broad spectrum of workers, from officials at the Australian Electoral Commission to meteorologists at the Bureau of Meteorology. However, it remains unclear whether public sector institutions like schools will also be required to enforce the restriction. Importantly, this prohibition does not extend to personal devices used by private citizens, ensuring that individuals can still access DeepSeek outside of government networks.
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A Pattern of Tech Scrutiny in Western Nations
Australia’s decision follows a growing trend among Western governments that are increasingly wary of Chinese technology firms. The precedent was set with the heavy restrictions on telecom giant Huawei and social media platform TikTok, both of which faced allegations of posing national security threats.
Initially, DeepSeek enjoyed a positive reception, quickly becoming the most downloaded free app in the UK and US. Even former US President Donald Trump acknowledged its disruptive potential, stating it could serve as a “wake-up call” for the AI industry by lowering costs. However, scrutiny over its data practices has since intensified, leading to bans and investigations worldwide.
Mounting Global Concerns Over DeepSeek’s Data Practices
Australian officials had already expressed reservations about DeepSeek’s data handling policies earlier in the year. The country’s science minister warned in January that nations needed to be “very careful” due to potential “data and privacy” issues. These concerns gained traction after the app was removed from stores in Italy, following a probe into its privacy policy.
Regulatory bodies in South Korea, Ireland, and France have also launched investigations into how DeepSeek manages user data, with a particular focus on its data storage in China. The White House has since confirmed that the US government is assessing possible security risks associated with the AI tool, while reports suggest that the US Navy has quietly prohibited its personnel from using DeepSeek.
What Data Does DeepSeek Collect?
DeepSeek, like other AI-driven chatbot platforms such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini, analyzes user prompts to refine and enhance its services. This process involves collecting and storing user data, including email addresses, dates of birth, and interaction history.
While data collection is a common practice among AI applications, cybersecurity experts caution that sensitive information entered into such platforms could be retained and potentially accessed by developers. This is particularly concerning for individuals working in confidential or national security-sensitive roles, as it raises the possibility of sensitive data being stored or analyzed without adequate safeguards.
DeepSeek Accused of Unfairly Leveraging US Technology
In addition to data privacy concerns, DeepSeek has also faced allegations of utilizing US-developed technology in ways that may violate intellectual property laws. This has further fueled tensions between China and Western nations, reinforcing the call for stricter regulations on AI-powered platforms developed outside of democratic oversight.
The Future of AI in a Politicized World
Australia’s ban on DeepSeek signals a shift toward heightened government scrutiny of AI and emerging technologies. Cybersecurity expert Kieren McCarthy from Oxford Information Labs noted that such measures reflect an evolving reality where “technology is no longer king—political and security concerns now dictate the adoption of new digital tools.”
As global governments ramp up their investigations into DeepSeek, the decision to ban or restrict its use is likely to spread beyond Australia. With AI playing an increasingly critical role in both public and private sectors, the challenge remains in balancing technological advancement with national security and user privacy.
For now, Australian government workers will need to rely on alternative AI tools, while the broader debate over data security and AI governance continues to unfold on the world stage.
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