The Australian government has banned the use of DeepSeek on all government devices following security agency recommendations, citing privacy risks and potential malware threats associated with the Chinese-developed AI application.
Australia Enforces One of the Strictest Bans on DeepSeek
DeepSeek, an AI chatbot developed by a Chinese startup, has made waves in the tech industry and financial markets since its launch last month. However, multiple countries, including South Korea, Italy, and France, have raised concerns over the app’s security risks and data management practices.
Australia’s ban, announced on Wednesday, is among the strictest measures taken against DeepSeek to date. The country’s cybersecurity envoy, Andrew Charlton, emphasized that this is not a symbolic move but a decision based on thorough security assessments. “We do not want to expose government systems to these applications,” Charlton told ABC News.
Security experts warn that data entered into DeepSeek “may not remain private,” and the app could expose users to malware threats.
The directive, issued by Stephanie Foster, Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, declares DeepSeek an “unacceptable security risk” to the Australian government. All government agencies must now remove any instances of DeepSeek from their systems and block future installations. The decision has received bipartisan support in Parliament.
Previous Bans on Chinese Technology Over National Security Fears
Australia’s move follows a pattern of previous national security bans on Chinese technology:
- 2018: Australia banned Huawei from its 5G network, escalating tensions with Beijing.
- 2023: The government prohibited TikTok on official devices after intelligence agency warnings.
Cybersecurity researcher Dana McKay from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology supported the DeepSeek ban, stressing that Chinese firms must store user data in China, where it can be accessed by the Chinese government.
She also warned that DeepSeek collects writing patterns, which could be used to identify specific users. “If a government employee uses a work device and later searches for something sensitive at home, that could be used as leverage,” McKay told AFP.
Global Scrutiny Over DeepSeek and Chinese AI Advancements
DeepSeek has raised alarms since its launch, with its creators claiming their AI model, R1, rivals U.S. counterparts at a significantly lower cost. This has triggered concerns in Silicon Valley, where experts suspect that Chinese AI developments may be derived from existing American models.
Governments in South Korea, Ireland, France, Italy, and now Australia have questioned how DeepSeek manages user data and trains its AI models.
Ongoing Tech and Trade Tensions Between Australia and China
Australia and China have been at odds over technology and trade for years. Beijing reacted strongly to Australia’s Huawei ban, restrictions on foreign influence operations, and calls for a COVID-19 origin investigation.
While trade relations began easing in late 2023, with China lifting its last restrictions on Australian lobster imports, the latest DeepSeek ban signals continued geopolitical tensions in the tech sector.