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DeepSeek’s Privacy Issues: What You Should Know

DeepSeek, a Chinese AI chatbot similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, has quickly become the most downloaded free app in the U.S. However, its rapid rise has sparked significant privacy concerns, especially as the U.S. moves to ban TikTok due to its ties to the Chinese government.

Like many apps, DeepSeek requires users to accept its privacy policy upon signup—but few take the time to read it. Cybersecurity expert Adrianus Warmenhoven warns that DeepSeek’s privacy policy, available in English, explicitly states that user data, including conversations and generated responses, is stored on servers in China. “This raises concerns because of the extensive data collection involved, ranging from user-shared information to external sources, all within a jurisdiction with different privacy and security standards,” Warmenhoven explains.

What DeepSeek Collects From You

DeepSeek gathers data through various means:

1. Information You Provide

  • Profile details (date of birth, username, email, phone number, password)
  • Chat history, uploaded files, and conversation logs
  • Proof of identity, feedback, and customer service inquiries

2. Automatically Collected Data

  • IP address, device ID, and cookie tracking
  • Device model, OS, keystroke patterns, system language, and diagnostics
  • Usage statistics, including which features you interact with
  • Payment information (if applicable)

3. Information From Other Sources

  • Data from linked accounts like Google or Apple
  • Advertising partners sharing user purchase history

What Does “Keystroke Patterns or Rhythms” Mean?

DeepSeek’s privacy policy states that it tracks “keystroke patterns or rhythms,” a practice that raises concerns. While this is not uncommon—TikTok does the same—Instagram does not. DeepSeek has not clarified its intent behind this data collection, but such biometric data can create unique user profiles that differentiate individuals.

TikTok, for instance, claims this method is for tracking timing rather than content, meaning it’s not outright keylogging. However, with biometric data, security risks like identity theft, fraud, and impersonation become far more serious, as biometric details cannot be changed like a password.

Adding to the concern is the fact that DeepSeek stores all data on Chinese servers, making it subject to China’s cybersecurity laws, which require companies to cooperate with national intelligence efforts. This raises fears about potential misuse of collected data. Additionally, DeepSeek restricts certain discussions, such as those related to the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre.

How DeepSeek Uses Your Data

DeepSeek states that it uses your data to:

  • Improve services and personalize content
  • Provide targeted ads and recommendations
  • Notify users of updates
  • Comply with legal obligations and cooperate with law enforcement

DeepSeek’s privacy policy also states that its corporate group can access your data, and it may share information with law enforcement agencies.

Cybersecurity expert Nicky Watson warns: “DeepSeek openly states that a wide array of user data goes to Chinese servers. This should make users pause and ask: Am I unknowingly handing over personal messages, location data, or browsing activity?”

Investigations have revealed that DeepSeek transmits data to Chinese tech giant Baidu and internet infrastructure firm Volces. It also suggests that user prompts might be used to train new AI models, adding another layer of concern.

Why This Matters for the Average User

Ignoring data security is easy—reading privacy policies is tedious. However, DeepSeek’s data collection practices should not be dismissed. Since it operates under Chinese cybersecurity laws, the Chinese government can access its data at any time.

Additionally, cyberattacks are a real risk. Just recently, DeepSeek faced a “large-scale malicious attack” that forced it to temporarily limit new registrations. The more AI platforms grow, the more attractive they become to hackers, raising the risk of data breaches and identity theft.

Is DeepSeek Worse Than Other Tech Giants?

Experts caution that DeepSeek is not the only company with questionable privacy policies. John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab, explains:

“It shouldn’t take a panic over Chinese AI to remind people that most tech companies dictate how they use your private data. When you use their services, you’re doing work for them, not the other way around.”

However, DeepSeek’s ties to China, coupled with its expansive data collection, make it particularly concerning. While U.S. companies like Meta and OpenAI also collect vast amounts of data, China’s strict national security laws introduce additional risks.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?

Cybersecurity experts recommend:

  • Reading privacy policies before signing up
  • Understanding where your data is stored and who has access to it
  • Limiting the personal information you share
  • Using VPNs and privacy-focused tools to reduce tracking

However, experts also argue that stronger global data privacy laws are necessary. F. Mario Trujillo from the Electronic Frontier Foundation says:

“Typing intimate thoughts or questions into a chatbot should be protected, not exploited. Strong data privacy laws must apply to all companies—Google, OpenAI, TikTok, and DeepSeek alike.”

Final Thoughts

Data privacy shouldn’t be solely an individual’s responsibility. With rising concerns over biometric tracking, AI surveillance, and potential government access, it’s crucial for governments and regulatory bodies to enforce stricter privacy protections. Until then, users must remain vigilant about where their personal data goes—and who might be watching.

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