Taiwan bans Chinese AI tool DeepSeek over security concerns

Taiwan has officially banned the use of DeepSeek, an artificial intelligence tool developed in China, across all government departments. The decision, announced on Monday, aligns with similar measures taken by the United States Navy and Congress, driven by concerns over potential data security risks and the possibility of sensitive government information being accessed by Chinese authorities.

Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai confirmed the ban during a cabinet meeting, highlighting the need to strengthen national security and protect sensitive data. This follows an earlier advisory issued by Taiwan’s digital ministry last Friday, which initially warned against the use of DeepSeek in government offices but stopped short of an outright ban.

DeepSeek, created by a Chinese startup of the same name, has faced growing scrutiny worldwide due to concerns about data privacy and possible links to Beijing. Several countries, including South Korea, France, Italy, and Ireland, have launched investigations into how the AI tool processes and stores personal data, with some fearing it could facilitate surveillance or censorship.

Given Taiwan’s complex relationship with China—including Beijing’s longstanding claims over the island and frequent military posturing—Taipei has remained especially cautious about Chinese-developed technology. The increasing global reliance on AI tools has further fueled concerns over cybersecurity risks, prompting governments to reassess the use of Chinese technology in critical sectors.

The United States has taken a firm stance against DeepSeek, with both the Navy and Congress warning against the adoption of Chinese AI systems due to the potential threat they pose to national security. By implementing its own ban, Taiwan is reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding digital infrastructure while joining a broader international effort to reduce reliance on Chinese technology that could pose security risks.

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