DeepSeek under scrutiny for intelligence support and chip acquisition strategies
“These aren’t isolated accusations; they are part of a growing body of existing concerns. Indications of a link between DeepSeek and the Chinese state apparatus are based on various pieces of evidence. Among the most significant are over 150 references to DeepSeek found in the procurement records of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and other Chinese defense-related entities. These references suggest that the company has provided direct technological services to PLA research institutes, indicating a collaboration well beyond the mere open-source availability of its AI models.”
“Furthermore, there have been reports regarding the sharing of user information and statistics with Beijing’s surveillance apparatus. Although Chinese law requires companies to provide data to the government upon request, this practice raises serious privacy concerns for DeepSeek’s millions of global users. US lawmakers had previously expressed fears that the company was transmitting American user data to China via backend infrastructure connected to China Mobile, a state-owned telecommunications giant. Analysis of DeepSeek’s code has even revealed direct links to China Mobile’s authentication and identity management systems, suggesting a deeper state involvement.”