DeepSeek, a low-cost AI platform that’s making waves in the tech world, has sparked serious concerns about data security and its connections to China. With its growing popularity, the Indian government is paying close attention to the platform’s potential risks to national security and user privacy.
DeepSeek’s privacy policy reveals that it stores user data, including personal details and uploaded files on servers located in China. This has raised alarm bells because it goes against India’s push for keeping sensitive data within its borders.
India has a track record of taking a tough stance on Chinese apps and companies. TikTok and PUBG were banned over similar concerns, and telecom giants like Huawei and ZTE have been kept out of critical infrastructure projects. Experts believe DeepSeek might face a similar fate if it’s seen as a security threat.
DeepSeek’s launch hasn’t been entirely smooth. Users have reported that it sometimes gives incorrect or biased answers about Indian states, similar to issues seen with Google’s AI platform Gemini. This highlights a broader problem with AI models, they’re not always reliable and can spread misinformation.
Adding to the complexity, Indian regulators are still figuring out how to handle legal issues with AI platforms. A key case in the Delhi High Court is examining whether Indian courts have the authority to enforce rules on global AI companies. Meanwhile, DeepSeek’s data practices clash with India’s upcoming Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, which aim to strengthen data security laws.
Despite its challenges, DeepSeek’s AI assistant has gained massive attention, mainly because it was developed at a fraction of the cost of its competitors. However, after a recent cyberattack, the platform has limited access to users outside China. Experts like Saswati Soumya Sahu are urging the government to enforce stricter data localization rules to protect user data and national interests.
“If DeepSeek offers end-user services in India, concerns about data protection and security would arise,” said Lalu John Philip, founder of Boolean Legal. The Indian government’s decision on DeepSeek could set the tone for how cross-border AI platforms are handled in the future.
Also Read: India Must Regulate AI, Says SC Lawyer After DeepSeek Entry
