Concerns Over National Security and Data Privacy
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into the Chinese artificial intelligence company DeepSeek, citing national security and data privacy concerns. On Friday, Paxton accused the AI firm of operating as a front for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and violating the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act. His announcement follows a recent decision by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to ban DeepSeek’s platform from all government-issued devices due to security risks. The company’s generative AI model, DeepSeek R1, made headlines in January when it disrupted the U.S.-dominated AI market. However, growing concerns about its ties to the Chinese government have led to increased scrutiny from U.S. authorities.
Investigation Into DeepSeek’s App Store Presence
As part of the probe, Ken Paxton has issued civil investigative demands to tech giants Google and Apple, requiring them to disclose all documentation submitted by DeepSeek for its presence in their app stores. Additionally, the Texas Attorney General’s office has officially notified DeepSeek that its platform violates state data privacy laws. While DeepSeek’s CEO, Liang Wenfeng, remains a relatively obscure figure, reports indicate he holds degrees in information engineering and computer science from Zhejiang University and previously founded the High-Flyer hedge fund. Despite his credentials, little public information is available about his leadership at DeepSeek, further raising concerns about transparency.
Global Bans and DeepSeek’s Links to China
DeepSeek’s ties to the Chinese government have fueled further controversy. Chinese data protection laws mandate that companies store user data within China and provide access to authorities upon request. Additionally, DeepSeek’s AI app reportedly censors politically sensitive topics, such as the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, and asserts Beijing’s stance that Taiwan is part of China. These concerns have led multiple governments to ban the app from official devices.
Virginia and New York recently blocked DeepSeek’s platform from state-run networks, while Taiwan and South Australia imposed similar restrictions. Italy has suspended all downloads of the app, and South Korea followed suit on Monday. As investigations continue, the global crackdown on DeepSeek reflects broader tensions surrounding China’s role in AI development and its potential implications for cybersecurity.
