Since its release in late January 2025, DeepSeek R1 has made waves in the artificial intelligence landscape. Its rapid rise in popularity, coupled with its cost-effective development, has astonished many in the tech industry.
However, amid growing concerns about security, data privacy, and government regulations, several countries have imposed bans or restrictions on this China-based AI model.
The list of DeepSeek AI-banned countries continues to expand as more governments scrutinize its data collection methods and potential cyber vulnerabilities.
Some nations have opted to prohibit its use entirely, whether for government agencies or the general public.
Below, we explore the countries that have restricted or banned DeepSeek AI and the reasons behind these decisions.
Which Countries Have Banned DeepSeek?
Italy was the first country to ban DeepSeek, followed closely by six others, including the United States, South Korea, Australia, Taiwan, and India. The full list of banned countries includes:
- Italy
- United States
- South Korea
- Australia
- Taiwan
- India
Despite receiving acclaim for its capabilities, DeepSeek R1 has encountered significant opposition. The bans highlight a broader global concern regarding AI security and privacy risks associated with AI models developed in China.
Why Are Countries Banning DeepSeek AI?
Although the primary reason for these bans is security and data privacy concerns, it is not merely a reaction to DeepSeek’s Chinese origins. Governments and institutions worry about how user data is collected, stored, and potentially exploited. Below are the reasons for the bans in each country:
1. Italy
Italy was among the first to ban DeepSeek AI, citing concerns about data security and user privacy. The Italian Data Protection Authority (DPA) has requested detailed clarifications from DeepSeek regarding its data collection and storage policies. Until a satisfactory response is received, the ban remains in place.
2. United States
The U.S. government has taken a firm stance against DeepSeek AI, driven by cybersecurity concerns and geopolitical tensions. Notably, several key organizations and states have restricted its usage:
- Pentagon: After unauthorized staff accessed DeepSeek AI, the Pentagon immediately blocked its use among military personnel and government officials.
- NASA: On January 31, 2025, NASA officially prohibited employees from using DeepSeek AI, citing risks related to foreign data access.
- U.S. Navy: Service members have been instructed not to download, install, or use DeepSeek in any form.
- U.S. Congress: Congressional offices have warned against using DeepSeek until further investigations are completed.
- Texas: Texas became the first U.S. state to prohibit the use of DeepSeek AI, extending its ban to other Chinese-developed apps and technologies.
3. South Korea
South Korea has expressed similar concerns regarding DeepSeek’s data handling practices. The government has restricted its use within various public institutions, including:
- Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy
- Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power
Authorities have also issued advisories discouraging AI use in sensitive governmental operations.
4. Australia
The Australian government has directed all government employees to avoid using DeepSeek AI on mobile devices or websites. The move aligns with the country’s broader national security measures against foreign-based technology platforms.
5. Taiwan
Taiwan, wary of cross-border data risks, has also banned DeepSeek AI. The ban extends beyond government agencies to include:
- State-owned enterprises
- Public schools
Concerns over potential data leaks to foreign entities played a significant role in Taiwan’s decision.
6. India
India recently joined the list of DeepSeek AI-banned countries. The Ministry of Finance has prohibited government employees from using DeepSeek AI, citing national security risks.
Adding to concerns, a recent report from ABC News suggested that DeepSeek AI may have hidden functions enabling cross-border data transfers. These suspicions have fueled regulatory scrutiny and policy restrictions in India.
What Information Does DeepSeek AI Collect?
An examination of DeepSeek’s official privacy policy reveals multiple data collection practices that have raised concerns. Some of the key areas include:
1. Information Provided by Users:
- Profile details
- User input data
- Contact information
2. Automatically Collected Data:
- Device model and operating system
- Keystroke patterns and rhythms
- IP addresses and system language
- Cookies and browsing data
3. Third-Party Data Collection:
- Login credentials from third-party services
- Website activity
- App usage
- Purchase history (both online and offline)
While some of these data collection methods are common in AI technologies, the primary concern lies in the lack of transparency regarding how DeepSeek processes and stores this data. The fact that DeepSeek AI is a China-based model has only heightened these concerns, as the international community remains skeptical of Chinese data policies.
How Can People Still Use DeepSeek AI in Banned Countries?
Despite the bans, DeepSeek AI continues to attract a significant number of visitors, with an estimated 100,776 daily users accessing its website. Tech enthusiasts and developers who wish to explore DeepSeek’s capabilities have found alternative methods to use the AI model.
DeepSeek R1 is now available on Perplexity to support deep web research. There's a new Pro Search reasoning mode selector, along with OpenAI o1, with transparent chain of thought into model's reasoning. We're increasing the number of daily uses for both free and paid as add more… pic.twitter.com/KIJWpPPJVN
— Perplexity (@perplexity_ai) January 27, 2025
Using DeepSeek R1 via Perplexity AI
Perplexity AI, one of the fastest-growing AI startups, has integrated DeepSeek R1 into its platform. This allows users to access DeepSeek AI features while bypassing restrictions.
Perplexity AI ensures that:
- The servers providing DeepSeek R1 services are based in the U.S. and EU.
- User data is not transmitted to China.
- Users can experience DeepSeek’s full capabilities without censorship or security risks.
For those eager to test DeepSeek’s potential, Perplexity AI offers a viable alternative.
Is DeepSeek AI Better Than ChatGPT?
A common question among AI enthusiasts is how DeepSeek AI compares to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Some key differences include:
1. Cost and Development
- DeepSeek AI was built with a budget of just $6 million, whereas OpenAI spent over $100 million developing ChatGPT.
- DeepSeek R1 is an open-source model, whereas ChatGPT follows a proprietary approach.
2. Pricing and Accessibility
- DeepSeek’s API pricing is significantly lower than ChatGPT’s.
- In performance tests, DeepSeek R1 has shown results comparable to ChatGPT Plus, which costs $20 per month.
3. Learning Model and Customization
- DeepSeek AI leverages Reinforcement Learning, allowing it to learn dynamically and reduce biases.
- This approach makes DeepSeek a favorable option for developers looking to create AI-driven applications.
In contrast, ChatGPT operates on pre-trained AI models, offering a structured but potentially less flexible user experience.
Conclusion: DeepSeek AI Faces Global Scrutiny
The governments of six countries have officially banned DeepSeek AI, primarily due to security and data privacy concerns.
While DeepSeek continues to gain attention for its innovative features and affordability, its data practices remain under scrutiny.
As regulatory bodies and governments further investigate DeepSeek AI’s operations, more countries may join the list of those banning or restricting its use.
Until DeepSeek provides transparent clarifications on data handling, these concerns will likely persist in the global AI landscape.
FAQs on DeepSeek AI Bans
1. Why have some countries banned DeepSeek AI?
Countries have banned DeepSeek AI due to concerns over data privacy, cybersecurity risks, and potential foreign data access vulnerabilities.
2. Which countries have banned DeepSeek AI?
As of 2025, the banned countries include Italy, the United States, South Korea, Australia, Taiwan, and India.
3. Can I still access DeepSeek AI in banned countries?
While officially restricted, some users access DeepSeek AI through alternative platforms like Perplexity AI, which hosts DeepSeek R1 on non-Chinese servers.
4. How does DeepSeek AI collect user data?
DeepSeek collects user input, device details, browsing activity, and third-party login information, raising privacy concerns.
5. Is DeepSeek AI better than ChatGPT?
DeepSeek AI is cost-effective and uses reinforcement learning, but ChatGPT remains more widely trusted and developed with greater transparency.
6. Is DeepSeek AI completely banned in the U.S.?
Government agencies, including the Pentagon, NASA, and the U.S. Navy, have restricted its use, but private users can still access it under certain conditions.
7. What are the security risks associated with DeepSeek AI?
Risks include potential unauthorized data sharing, unclear data storage policies, and concerns over AI-generated misinformation.
8. Will more countries ban DeepSeek AI in the future?
With ongoing scrutiny, more countries may impose restrictions if DeepSeek fails to provide transparency regarding data usage.