The Chinese AI chatbot “DeepSeek” has sparked significant debate in recent weeks. Initially launched in 2023, it gained traction following the release of the “R1” model, which matches its competitors in performance while being more resource-efficient. However, there are indications that the chatbot may face a ban in the US, potentially leading to fines and imprisonment for users.
Possible Ban on the Chinese AI DeepSeek in the US
This proposal is championed by Republican Senator Josh Hawley, who introduced a new bill this week. The legislation aims to “prevent individuals in the United States from enhancing artificial intelligence capabilities within the People’s Republic of China, and for other entities.”
As reported by The Independent, the proposed bill suggests severe penalties for violators, including fines of up to $1 million and possible imprisonment for up to 20 years. Businesses employing Chinese AIs could face fines as high as $100 million. While Senator Hawley does not explicitly name DeepSeek in his legislation, the timing coincides with the chatbot’s rise to the top of the US App Store.
Proponents of the ban cite various concerns around “security, privacy, and ethics.” There are also objections to DeepSeek’s tendency to avoid discussing topics related to the Chinese Communist Party. Italy has already banned DeepSeek for privacy issues, and other nations may soon enact similar measures.
In the United States, Texas has taken steps to prohibit the use of DeepSeek on government devices. Former President Donald Trump recently remarked that the Chinese chatbot serves as a “wake-up call” for the national tech sector and is reportedly looking into its implications for national security.
Despite the chatbot’s tremendous success, stocks of tech firms like Nvidia have seen significant declines. Nonetheless, DeepSeek’s capabilities are hard to overlook. Apple CEO Tim Cook commented that “innovation that drives efficiency is a positive development” when discussing Chinese AI advancements.
Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash.
Further Reading
: We use income-earning auto affiliate links. Learn more.
