The Australian government recently banned the Chinese AI platform, DeepSeek, from all its systems and devices due to security and privacy concerns. This decision, echoing similar moves by other countries, has ignited debate among experts about its implications for technology, cybersecurity, and the broader AI industry.
Figure 1: China Criticises Australia’s DeepSeek Ban
Experts Weigh In on the Ban
Lack of Control Over Data Use
Dr Jonathan Kummerfeld, an expert in AI and natural language processing at the University of Sydney, views the ban as a prudent step. He notes, “At the same time, it is important to note that Australia can benefit from the scientific discoveries underpinning DeepSeek.” He said that instead of taking the risks associated with using the chatbot service, these innovations can be utilised to create our own systems.
Figure 2: Dr Jonathan Kummerfeld [Credit: The University of Sydeny]
The AI platform’s data usage has raised significant concerns. Dr Kummerfeld highlights that users have little control over how their data is handled, increasing the risk of exposure. While DeepSeek’s scientific advancements are valuable, Australia must ensure its own systems are secure from external threats.
Also Read: China’s DeepSeek AI: What It Means for Global Tech and Australia’s Future
Open-Source Nature and Potential Risks
Dr Suranga Seneviratne, a privacy and cybersecurity expert, addresses the challenges posed by DeepSeek’s open-source model. He explains that a unique challenge arises due to DeepSeek being open-source. While the original company controls the official web and app versions, anyone can host their own instance. This makes a complete ban challenging to enforce, though in this case, the risk may be considered low. He highlights the difficulty of managing such risks due to the platform’s decentralised nature.
DeepSeek’s open-source nature allows anyone to run their own version of the platform, making it difficult for authorities to control. Despite these concerns, Dr Seneviratne asserts the primary worry lies in the risks of data privacy, confidentiality, and potential backdoors within the platform.
Risks of AI Trust and Data Usage
Dr Armin Chitizadeh, an AI ethics expert, underscores the importance of cautious engagement with generative AI tools. He cautions that there is a tendency for people to blindly trust content created by AI. “AI can intentionally or unintentionally hallucinate or provide false answers, yet people trust it as if it comes from reliable sources.”
He adds that companies in the race to develop the best AI often overlook the protection of customer data. He stresses that AI tools can infer valuable information from seemingly insignificant user data, which could then be misused. Dr Chitizadeh’s concerns reflect the growing risks surrounding AI-generated content and its potential misuse.
Pre-Emptive National Security Measure
Professor Uri Gal from the University of Sydney’s Business School explains the rationale behind the ban. “Government agencies typically manage highly sensitive information, and there are worries that DeepSeek’s extensive collection of data – such as device details, usage metrics, and personal identifiers – could expose confidential information to vulnerabilities if accessed or stored outside Australian borders,” says Professor Gal.
He emphasizes that while the open-source nature of DeepSeek provides transparency, it doesn’t guarantee data protection within Australian jurisdiction. The risk of cross-border data access is a key reason for the ban, as it potentially jeopardizes national security.
China’s Response to the Ban
The ban has drawn strong criticism from the Chinese government, which accuses Australia of political bias and ideological discrimination. The Chinese foreign ministry described the decision as “the politicisation of economic, trade and technological issues,” and urged Australia to reconsider its stance.
Liu Wei, a Chinese AI expert, argued that Australia’s actions mirror the US’s anti-China technology stance. He contended, “Australia’s move is clearly driven by ideological discrimination, not technological concerns.” Liu added that if the Australian government was genuinely concerned about national security, it should also target US-based tech companies like OpenAI, which have integrated with DeepSeek.
China’s response also emphasizes that the government does not require enterprises or individuals to illegally collect or store data. According to Zhang Linghan, a Chinese expert, the accusations against DeepSeek are baseless and reflect a growing anxiety over China’s technological advancements.
Broader Implications of the Ban
Australia’s decision to ban DeepSeek follows similar actions by other countries, such as the US, Taiwan, and Italy. These nations have expressed concerns about the risks posed by Chinese technology, particularly its potential to compromise national security.
In addition to the national security implications, the move also raises questions about how Western countries assess the technological capabilities of China. China’s growing influence in AI, particularly with DeepSeek, is stirring competition and concern globally.
The controversy surrounding the DeepSeek ban also highlights the growing divide between countries over the control and governance of AI technology. As AI tools become more integrated into daily life, governments must balance innovation with security and privacy concerns.
Wrapping Up!
Australia’s ban on DeepSeek marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over AI, data privacy, and national security. While experts acknowledge the potential benefits of DeepSeek’s technology, the risks of data misuse and security breaches have prompted governments to take precautionary measures. As AI continues to evolve, so too will the challenges in managing its impact on society, security, and global geopolitics.
