The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence has brought with it impressive technological advances, but also challenges in terms of security, privacy and information control.
A recent example is Deepseek, an AI tool developed in China, which has been blocked in several countries. This article analyzes the reasons behind these measures, the countries involved and the global context in which other AI technologies have also been questioned or banned.
What is Deepseek and why does it generate controversy?
Deepseek is an efficient and low-cost artificial intelligence that has raised distrust among governments and data protection agencies.
Its origin in China, a country with controversial data and surveillance policies, has led many States to question the transparency and security of the information managed by the platform.
The main concerns are the lack of clarity regarding the collection, storage and possible transfer of personal data to servers in China.
Countries that have blocked or restricted Deepseek
Italy
Italy was a pioneer in blocking Deepseek. On January 30, 2025, the Italian Data Protection Authority ordered the immediate blocking of the platform due to concerns about the collection of personal data without transparency and the possible transfer of information to servers in China.
This measure reflected growing concern in Europe about privacy and the control of sensitive information.
United States
The US Congress banned the use of Deepseek among federal employees on January 31, 2025, due to national security fears, including the risk of malware and unauthorized access to sensitive data.
Key agencies such as the Pentagon, NASA and the Navy restricted its use, underscoring the magnitude of the perceived threat.
South Korea
Various ministries in South Korea, such as Finance, Environment and Defense, have blocked access to Deepseek.
The authorities are concerned about the storage of data on Chinese servers, which could facilitate the leakage of strategic and sensitive information.
Australia
The Australian government banned the use of Deepseek on government devices, deeming the tool an “unacceptable risk” to national security. This measure prioritized the protection of state information.
Taiwan
Government agencies in Taiwan banned the use of Deepseek due to risks to national information security. The main concern is the possible transfer of citizen data to servers in China.
Netherlands and Ireland
In the Netherlands, the government banned officials from using Deepseek, calling it an “espionage-sensitive” tool**.
In Ireland, the Data Protection Commission asked Deepseek for details about the handling of Irish users’ information, due to suspicion of storage on Chinese servers.
India
India has also restricted the use of Deepseek. The Ministry of Finance banned its use among government employees, arguing that the risk of unauthorized transfers and vulnerability to cyber attacks represent a threat to national security.
Reasons behind Deepseek blocks
It is important to analyze these reasons in detail, because each one could have significant implications and consequences that need to be fully explored and understood.
National security concerns
Concern for national security is a common reason for blocking decisions.
Many governments fear that platforms like Deepseek access sensitive or strategic information, with the possibility of data being sent to servers in China under the influence of the government or state entities.
Lack of transparency
The lack of clarity about Deepseek’s handling of data has generated distrust. Without accurate information about the collection, storage and use of personal data, data protection agencies and governments take preventative measures to protect their citizens.
Risk of espionage
Espionage is another determining factor. In a geopolitical context of growing tensions, the possibility of artificial intelligence tools being used to spy on governments, companies or citizens is an unacceptable risk.
Deepseek’s ties to Chinese government-controlled entities, such as China Mobile, have fueled these concerns.
Possible data breach
The concentration of data on servers in high-risk territories in terms of security leads to the conclusion that a leak could compromise sensitive information on a large scale. This factor has prompted several countries to ban Deepseek in government environments and critical applications.
Other AI tools blocked in the past
Deepseek is not the only case in the field of artificial intelligence. Other systems and chatbots have also shown that technological innovation can be accompanied by considerable risks.
Blocks to ChatGPT
An emblematic case is ChatGPT, a chatbot developed by OpenAI, blocked in Italy in March 2023.
The Italian Data Protection Authority detected deficiencies in the collection and storage of personal data, as well as the lack of adequate mechanisms to verify the age of users.
Subsequently, other countries such as Russia, China, Iran, North Korea and Belarus also imposed restrictions due to security and information control concerns.
Ban on facial recognition technologies
Facial recognition technologies have also been banned in several cities and regions.
In the United States, cities such as San Francisco, Oakland, Boston and Portland have vetoed these systems in public organizations, citing risks to fundamental rights and inherent biases in the algorithms that can lead to discrimination and violations of civil liberties.
Legislations and regulations in the European Union
The European Union has taken a proactive stance in regulating artificial intelligence. The recent Artificial Intelligence Law prohibits applications considered to have “unacceptable risk”, such as biometric identification systems in public spaces.
Additionally, it requires high-risk AI systems to be transparent and subject to constant human oversight to mitigate potential risks.
Should we worry?
The restrictions on Deepseek reflect a global trend where governments and data protection agencies are taking drastic measures to protect national security and the privacy of citizens.
Although it is popular for its low cost and efficiency, its lack of transparency and guarantees in data management makes its use in official and critical settings unfeasible.
Experience with other technologies highlights the need for a robust regulatory framework to balance the benefits of AI with ethics and safety. More countries are likely to take similar steps if concerns about data handling and spying are not clearly addressed by developers.
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