Thu Feb 06 12:01:36 UTC 2025: ## DeepSeek AI Faces Global Backlash, Banned in Multiple Countries
**Rome/Taipei/Canberra** – The Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek, touted as a rival to ChatGPT, is facing a global wave of bans and restrictions just days after its viral launch. Concerns over data security and potential information leaks have led several governments to prohibit its use, both within public sectors and, in some cases, by private citizens.
Italy was the first to act, imposing a complete ban last month following privacy concerns raised by the Italian Data Protection Authority. The app has been removed from Italian app stores.
Taiwan has taken a similarly stringent approach, prohibiting DeepSeek’s use across all public sector organizations, including schools, state-owned enterprises, and critical infrastructure. The Taiwanese government cited fears of cross-border data transmission and information leaks as the primary reason for the ban.
Australia has joined the growing list, with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announcing an immediate ban on DeepSeek for all government employees. The decision, based on a national intelligence assessment, highlights concerns about unacceptable security risks posed by the platform. While the ban doesn’t extend to personal use, citizens are urged to exercise caution regarding their online data.
India’s Ministry of Finance has also banned DeepSeek for its employees, mirroring actions taken by other government agencies worldwide. The number of countries implementing full or partial bans on DeepSeek continues to grow, reflecting a significant international response to the emerging AI technology. The bans underscore the growing scrutiny of AI chatbots and the potential security and privacy implications of their use.
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