DeepSeek AI: 5 Critical Risks You Must Know Before Using It

DeepSeek’s reasoning model R1 is being called “AI’s Sputnik moment.” It has left Silicon Valley in a bind by outperforming its US counterparts, such as OpenAI’s o1 model, Claude 3.5 Sonnet and Gemini 1.5, surpassing them in both - capabilities and cost- effectiveness.

Within a week, it has managed to rank at the top in app stores globally, wipe out market shares and become a national security issue for the United States.

Its advanced AI capabilities offered at a fraction of the cost have piqued the interest of developers and businesses - but there are necessary considerations before hailing it as a disruptor. Below are five key considerations you should be aware of before fully embracing DeepSeek’s AI solutions

1. Data Privacy Concerns

DeepSeek’s data collection policies resemble that of OpenAI and other rivals, except cybersecurity specialists have cautioned its ties to the Chinese government and the easy access they can have to any user data uploaded on their servers.

A recent research report by Wiz has uncovered a massive data leak of sensitive information of users in a publicly accessible database, directly linked to DeepSeek.

The exposure included a million lines of user chats and personal data. It also allowed for complete database control and enabled malicious actors to potentially gain higher control of a user’ environment without any safeguards from DeepSeek. They have since addressed this issue and the database is no longer available.

Enterprises need to keep in mind that their proprietary data and client PII are at a high-risk with such initial leaks and cybersecurity attacks.

Why it matters:

Personal and professional data have become immensely valuable in these times, and having solid data protection practices and systems in place has become an absolute non-negotiable. The fear that sensitive information might be accessed without consent underscores the urgent need for greater transparency and control over user data.

2. Censorship and Information Control

Several users have reported instances of real-time content censorship when engaging with DeepSeek’s chatbot, particularly on subjects that could be viewed as politically sensitive in China. In some cases, the chatbot initially provides a response but then deletes it, replacing the content with a disclaimer that the topic is restricted.

Why it matters:

Having access to comprehensive, unbiased information is critical for decision-making. Censorship could limit the breadth and depth of the data you receive, potentially influencing discussions on sensitive or globally relevant topics.

3. National Security Implications

DeepSeek’s rapid rise has fueled national security debates, especially in the United States. Given that DeepSeek is based in China, comparisons to other data-collecting platforms like TikTok are unavoidable. Concerns primarily revolve around how AI-generated data might be used or misused by foreign entities.

Why it matters:

Should regulators decide DeepSeek poses a national security threat, restrictions may follow. Such measures could curb your ability to use the service or integrate it into your workflows, which is especially important for organizations with compliance obligations.

4. Skepticism Over Development Claims

DeepSeek insists it can replicate capabilities akin to those of OpenAI at a substantially lower cost. Industry leaders, including Elon Musk, have openly questioned whether these claims are technically feasible or overly ambitious.

Why it matters:

Understanding the real potential (and limitations) of DeepSeek’s technology is essential for setting accurate expectations. Overestimating an AI platform’s capabilities can lead to suboptimal outcomes whether for your business, research, or personal projects.

5. Potential for Misinformation

Experts warn that the intersection of advanced AI functionality with potential censorship and data control could create a breeding ground for misinformation. If a platform restricts or skews content on certain topics, it can inadvertently (or deliberately) shape public perception.

Why it matters:

In today’s digital ecosystem, misinformation can travel at breakneck speeds, influencing public opinion and strategic decision-making. Being aware of potential biases or constraints is crucial for maintaining credible and factual discussions.

A Safer Way Forward: Wald.ai

If you’re intrigued by what DeepSeek has to offer but reluctant to compromise on data privacy and security, Wald.ai provides a secure alternative. By serving as a trusted intermediary, Wald.ai enables you to access DeepSeek’s AI capabilities without exposing sensitive data directly to DeepSeek’s servers.

With Wald.ai, you can:

• Leverage DeepSeek’s AI while safeguarding personal and business data.

• Maintain control over censorship: Wald.ai allows you to explore AI-driven insights without succumbing to content manipulation or bias.

• Address national security concerns through enhanced data governance.

• Stay informed about the AI’s real capabilities and any potential drawbacks.

By incorporating a layer of security and oversight, Wald.ai helps you tap into cutting-edge AI technology with fewer risks. In a world where data is currency, having a trusted partner to protect your interests can make all the difference.

Final Thoughts

As the AI market continues to expand, informed decision-making is more critical than ever. DeepSeek may offer compelling features, but understanding its potential pitfalls that range from privacy vulnerabilities to content censorship, will remains paramount.

Ready to explore advanced AI without sacrificing security and peace of mind?

Use a secure DeepSeek alternative for all your tasks and discover how our trusted platform can help you harness DeepSeek’s capabilities without putting your data at risk.