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Daniel T Sasser II
Daniel T Sasser II Subscriber

Posted on • Originally published at dansasser.me

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DeepSeek vs. ChatGPT and Gemini: Privacy Standards Compared

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Price of Convenience—Your Data Privacy in AI Systems

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an essential part of our daily lives, with tools like DeepSeek, OpenAI's ChatGPT, and Google Gemini shaping how we work, research, and create. These platforms promise convenience, speed, and innovation, making them indispensable for many users. But beneath the surface lies a growing concern: What are we giving up in exchange for this convenience?

DeepSeek has captured attention for its groundbreaking Benchmark performance, surpassing competitors in natural language reasoning and contextual comprehension. But its reported ties to the Chinese Communist Party and lack of transparency around data handling have raised serious questions about privacy. Would you hand over your personal or professional data to a system you don’t fully understand?

This article dives into the privacy concerns surrounding DeepSeek, compares its practices to OpenAI and Google, and explores how you can make informed decisions about your data security.


Overview of DeepSeek: A Powerful Tool with Privacy Shadows

DeepSeek hits the mark but at what cost

DeepSeek has quickly become a standout name in the AI space, thanks to its exceptional performance on benchmarks, including achieving top-tier scores in reasoning tasks as highlighted by its results on the OpenAI's MMLU (Massive Multitask Language Understanding) Benchmark, and its ability to handle complex tasks with ease. It's a tool designed to push boundaries, appealing to researchers, businesses, and individuals looking for cutting-edge AI capabilities.

But behind its impressive capabilities lies a more complicated story. DeepSeek is reportedly funded and operated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which raises significant concerns about how user data is handled. Chinese companies are subject to laws like the National Intelligence Law, requiring them to provide data access to the government upon request. According to Article 7 of this law, organizations and individuals are obligated to cooperate with national intelligence work, creating significant privacy concerns for international users. For users, this means personal and professional information could be exposed to risks far beyond what most would consider acceptable.

While DeepSeek offers a glimpse into the future of AI power, its ties to an authoritarian regime and its lack of transparency leave many questioning whether the trade-off is worth it.


Privacy Concerns: What DeepSeek Isn't Telling You

What are we sharing?

DeepSeek's remarkable performance on benchmarks may make it tempting to use, but beneath the surface lie serious questions about its approach to data privacy.

One of the biggest concerns is its reported ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Under China's National Intelligence Law, companies can be compelled to provide data to the government, even if that data is stored outside China. For users, this raises significant risks: your personal or professional information could be accessed without your knowledge or consent.

Transparency is another issue. DeepSeek's Encryption lacks detail, leaving users in the dark about critical questions such as what specific data is encrypted, how long data is retained, and whether third-party access is permitted. What is encrypted? Who has access to your data? How long is it stored? Without clear answers, users are left to trust a system that hasn't earned it.

Even more troubling are the security vulnerabilities. Reports of Prompt Injection flaws highlight the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information. These vulnerabilities could allow malicious actors to exploit the platform, making your data a target for hackers.

Using DeepSeek doesn't just come with privacy concerns—it also poses ethical questions. Do you want to support a system tied to a regime known for surveillance and censorship? These are the kinds of questions users should be asking before relying on platforms like DeepSeek.

While it's true that DeepSeek delivers impressive AI capabilities, users must weigh the potential privacy risks against its benefits. Understanding these concerns is the first step toward making informed decisions about the tools you use.

These concerns aren't new. Similar debates have dominated discussions around other CCP-linked platforms, like TikTok.

The TikTok Ban: A Double Standard?

In recent years, TikTok has faced bans and restrictions in several countries, including the United States, due to its ties to the DeepSeekChinese Communist Party (CCP) and the potential for user data to be accessed by the Chinese government. Lawmakers have cited concerns over surveillance, data misuse, and national security. But while TikTok is being targeted, another CCP-linked platform, DeepSeek, is quietly gaining traction in the AI space—without similar scrutiny.

The timing is particularly striking. Around the same period TikTok Bans were being enforced, DeepSeek released its Benchmark results, grabbing the attention of American researchers, developers, and businesses. As one door to American data was closing, it seems another was opening, raising questions about whether this was a calculated move to maintain influence and access.

The parallels between TikTok and DeepSeek are hard to ignore. Both platforms are tied to the CCP, as reported by multiple sources including government hearings and investigative reports on Chinese data laws. Both involve the collection of user data. Both present significant privacy concerns. Yet TikTok has become a household name in debates over privacy, while DeepSeek operates under the radar, celebrated for its performance without the same level of scrutiny.

This double standard points to a broader issue: Are we only concerned about data privacy when it's convenient or politically charged? DeepSeek's rise highlights how critical it is to apply consistent standards to platforms with similar risks, regardless of their purpose or perceived value.

If privacy concerns drove the TikTok Bans, why isn't DeepSeek facing the same pushback? The answer might lie in its ability to position itself as a tool for innovation rather than entertainment, making its risks easier to overlook. But as users, we must remain vigilant. The cost of ignoring these concerns could be far greater than we realize.


Personal and Hypothetical Scenarios: Why Data Privacy Matters

What do we understand about the data we are sharing?

When using AI tools like DeepSeek, privacy isn't just an abstract concern—it's a real-world issue that affects individuals and businesses alike. To illustrate the risks, let's explore both personal experiences and hypothetical situations.

A Personal Perspective

As someone who regularly uses AI for research and creative writing, I understand the importance of keeping data private. When working on a script or developing unique ideas, the thought of handing over sensitive details to a platform with questionable privacy practices is unsettling. For tasks like these, I deliberately avoid platforms like DeepSeek, prioritizing tools with transparent policies and robust protections instead.

A Business at Risk

Imagine a small startup using DeepSeek to develop a new product. They input sensitive market research, proprietary data, and strategy documents into the system to generate ideas. Without clear assurances about how their data is stored and who has access, they're exposing their intellectual property to significant risks. If that data were accessed by unauthorized parties—or worse, the CCP—it could lead to financial losses or even the collapse of their business.

The Everyday User

Consider an individual using DeepSeek for everyday tasks, like drafting resumes or managing financial data. They may not realize that their personal information—names, addresses, employment history—could be stored in a system that lacks transparency. In the wrong hands, this information could be exploited for identity theft or fraud.

These scenarios demonstrate that privacy concerns aren't limited to big corporations or governments. They're personal, tangible, and something every user must consider. Platforms like DeepSeek offer powerful tools, but without guarantees about data safety, the risks may outweigh the benefits.


Comparison to OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google Gemini: How Do Privacy Standards Measure Up?

When it comes to AI tools, not all platforms handle your data with the same level of care. While DeepSeek excels in performance benchmarks, its privacy practices raise questions. To understand where it stands, let's compare its approach to OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google Gemini.

OpenAI's ChatGPT: Transparent and User-Focused

OpenAI has made strides in addressing privacy concerns, providing clear policies that outline how user data is handled.

  • Transparency: OpenAI explicitly states that user inputs are not stored beyond session use for free-tier users, though API usage requires some retention for debugging purposes.
  • Data Ownership: Users retain ownership of their data, and OpenAI emphasizes minimizing data retention for security.
  • Trustworthiness: OpenAI operates under U.S. data protection regulations, making its practices more transparent and auditable.

Google Gemini: Privacy Backed by Scale

Google Gemini leverages Google's robust security infrastructure, which is trusted by millions of users worldwide.

  • Global Standards: Gemini complies with major privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA, ensuring user data is protected by strict guidelines.
  • Encryption and Security: Google employs end-to-end Encryption and advanced security measures, making Gemini a safer choice for sensitive data.
  • Data Practices: While Google collects data for improvement, it provides users with tools to control what is shared and stored.

DeepSeek: Impressive Power, Troubling Practices

In comparison, DeepSeek falls short in critical privacy areas:

  • Lack of Transparency: Its privacy policies are vague, leaving users unclear about how their data is stored and used.
  • Ties to the CCP: The potential for government access under Chinese law makes it a risk for users handling sensitive or proprietary information.
  • Vulnerabilities: Security flaws like Prompt Injection risks make it less trustworthy for those concerned about data safety.

Is There a Way Around the Privacy Concerns?

One unique aspect of DeepSeek is its open-source nature, which allows technically proficient users or organizations to self-host the model. For those with the resources to deploy their own instance, privacy risks can be mitigated.

  • Open-Source Advantage: Organizations with the infrastructure to spin up their own LLM can bypass data-sharing concerns by maintaining full control over the model.

  • Not for Everyone: While this is a viable option for large companies or advanced developers, the average user lacks the resources and technical expertise to take advantage of this feature.

Key Takeaways

While OpenAI and Google emphasize transparency, compliance, and user control, DeepSeek's impressive capabilities are overshadowed by its lack of clarity and potential risks. For users prioritizing data privacy, the choice becomes clear: power alone isn't enough—trust matters just as much.


Protecting Your Data: Making Informed Choices in a Digital World

Your data is worth protecting

In a world where AI tools are increasingly woven into our daily lives, protecting your data is no longer optional—it's essential. While platforms like DeepSeek offer cutting-edge performance, their privacy risks underscore the need for caution. Here are key steps you can take to safeguard your information:

  • Research Before You Trust: Don't just dive into the latest AI tool because it's trending. Take time to review its Encryption and understand who owns it. Look for details about data storage duration, third-party sharing, and Encryption practices to ensure your information is handled responsibly. Ask yourself: Does the platform clearly explain how it uses and stores your data?

  • Prioritize Transparent Platforms: Choose tools with clear and open privacy practices. Look for platforms that publish audit reports, provide Data Transparency dashboards, or outline third-party data sharing explicitly. Platforms like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google Gemini provide more detailed explanations of data handling, giving you greater confidence in their security measures.

  • Minimize the Data You Share: Only share the information necessary for the task at hand. Avoid inputting sensitive data like financial details, proprietary work, or personal identifiers unless absolutely required—and only if you trust the platform. For instance, entering proprietary business strategies into a questionable AI tool could risk exposing them to competitors or malicious actors.

  • Use Encrypted Networks: When accessing AI platforms, ensure you're on a secure, encrypted network. Public Wi-Fi, while convenient, can be a haven for hackers looking to intercept your data.

  • Advocate for Better Privacy Standards: As users, we have the power to demand better. Support platforms that prioritize your privacy and encourage companies to adopt stronger protections. Movements like GDPR and CCPA have set global standards, and supporting similar privacy-focused initiatives can amplify the push for greater transparency. When privacy becomes a selling point, everyone benefits.

Protecting your data isn't about rejecting technology—it's about using it responsibly. By taking these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of AI while keeping your personal and professional information secure.


Conclusion: Balancing Innovation and Privacy in the AI Era

Let's take action ourselves!

The rise of AI tools like DeepSeek, OpenAI's ChatGPT, and Google Gemini represents an extraordinary leap forward in technology. These platforms have the potential to revolutionize industries, transform workflows, and enable creativity on an unprecedented scale. From healthcare breakthroughs to advancements in education, AI's transformative power is undeniable. Yet, as we embrace this wave of innovation, we must confront a critical question: Are we sacrificing our privacy for the sake of convenience?

DeepSeek's Benchmark-beating performance is impressive, but its privacy concerns cast a long shadow. From its ties to the Chinese Communist Party to the lack of transparency in its data practices, the risks it poses to users cannot be ignored. The very same concerns that drove the TikTok Bans—government access to user data, security vulnerabilities, and potential misuse—apply to DeepSeek. For example, in U.S. congressional hearings, TikTok’s ties to the Chinese Communist Party were a central issue, and similar scrutiny should extend to DeepSeek given its reported connections. Yet, this platform has not yet faced the same level of scrutiny seen with TikTok, raising questions about whether AI infrastructure tools receive adequate oversight in our broader approach to data privacy.

At the same time, AI’s global development highlights an urgent need for international collaboration on ethical and regulatory standards. The competition among leading nations is not just about technological dominance—it’s about defining the principles that will guide AI’s integration into society. Transparency, accountability, and strong privacy practices must become the norm, not the exception. Users can advocate for these changes by signing petitions, supporting privacy-conscious companies, or actively choosing alternatives that prioritize data protection.

DeepSeek may be a glimpse into the future of AI, but it also serves as a warning. The decisions we make now about how we use these tools will shape the trajectory of technology and its impact on our lives. In the rush to adopt new innovations, let’s not forget the cost of compromising our privacy—and the price we may all pay if we don’t act wisely.


Call to Action: Protect Your Privacy, Shape the Future

As AI tools like DeepSeek continue to evolve, the choices we make today will determine how these technologies impact our lives tomorrow. Don’t let the allure of advanced features blind you to the risks of handing over your data without question.

Take the time to understand the platforms you use. Research their privacy policies. Question who owns your data and how it's being used. Demand transparency and accountability from the companies you trust by supporting privacy-conscious alternatives and advocating for stronger regulations.

Your data is more than just information—it’s your life, your business, and your identity. Protecting it is not just a personal responsibility but a step toward shaping a future where innovation and privacy can coexist.

Think critically. Act decisively. And remember: the future of AI isn’t just built by developers—it’s shaped by the decisions we make today.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is DeepSeek owned by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)?

No, DeepSeek is not owned by the CCP. It is a private Chinese company founded in July 2023 by Liang Wenfeng, a graduate of Zhejiang University. However, as a Chinese company, it operates under Chinese laws, which may influence its data practices. (cbsnews.com)

What is DeepSeek's R1 model?

DeepSeek's R1 is an AI model comparable to OpenAI's ChatGPT, designed to perform tasks such as text generation and understanding. It has gained attention for its capabilities and cost-effective development. (CNN)

How does DeepSeek handle user data?

DeepSeek's Privacy Policy indicates that it collects both user-provided and automatically collected information, which is stored on servers in China. This has raised privacy concerns due to potential government access. (The Pickool)

Are there privacy concerns associated with DeepSeek?

Yes, there are concerns regarding DeepSeek's data collection practices and the storage of user data on Chinese servers, which may be subject to government access. Users are advised to review the privacy policy carefully. (The Pickool)

Does DeepSeek censor certain topics?

Reports indicate that DeepSeek's AI may avoid or refuse to discuss topics considered sensitive by the Chinese government, such as political issues or events like the Tiananmen Square protests. (Wikipedia)

How does DeepSeek compare to other AI models like ChatGPT?

DeepSeek's R1 model offers capabilities similar to ChatGPT but has been developed at a lower cost. However, users should consider privacy and data handling practices when choosing between AI models. (CNN)

Is DeepSeek's AI model open-source?

DeepSeek has made its AI model open-source, allowing developers to access and modify the code. However, concerns about data privacy and censorship persist. (Wikipedia)

What should users consider before using DeepSeek?

Users should review DeepSeek's Privacy Policy, understand how their data will be used and stored, and be aware of potential censorship or data access issues due to Chinese regulations. It's important to weigh these factors against the convenience and capabilities offered by the AI model.


Glossary

Artificial Intelligence (AI): The simulation of human intelligence by machines, enabling them to perform tasks such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving.

DeepSeek: A Chinese-developed AI platform known for its Benchmark-beating performance and ties to the Chinese Communist Party, raising significant privacy concerns.

Chinese Communist Party (CCP): The ruling political party of China, which has legal authority to access data stored by Chinese companies under laws like the National Intelligence Law.

National Intelligence Law: A Chinese law requiring companies and individuals to cooperate with national intelligence efforts, raising global concerns about data privacy.

Benchmark: A standardized test used to measure the performance of AI models, such as reasoning tasks and natural language understanding.

OpenAI: A U.S.-based AI research company known for creating ChatGPT, emphasizing transparency and user privacy in its operations.

Google Gemini: Google’s advanced AI platform, leveraging its robust infrastructure and compliance with global privacy standards like GDPR.

Prompt Injection: A type of security vulnerability in AI systems that allows malicious actors to exploit or manipulate the model's behavior.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): A comprehensive data protection law in the European Union that sets strict guidelines for handling personal data.

Data Transparency: The practice of clearly explaining how user data is collected, stored, and used, including providing access to audit reports and dashboards.

TikTok Ban: Governmental restrictions imposed on the social media platform TikTok due to privacy concerns and its ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

Ethical AI Development: The practice of building AI systems with a focus on transparency, accountability, and fairness, ensuring they benefit society without causing harm.

Encryption: The process of encoding data to protect it from unauthorized access, ensuring its security during storage and transmission.

Privacy Policy: A document outlining how a company collects, uses, and protects user data, serving as a critical tool for evaluating AI platforms..


References

  1. NBC News: China's AI Assistant DeepSeek: Discusses the rise of DeepSeek, its benchmarks, and the global AI development race.

  2. Artificial Analysis Quality Index (AAQI) Benchmark Report: Comparative performance data of DeepSeek R1, OpenAI’s o1 model, and Google Gemini 2.0 Flash.

  3. U.S. Congressional Hearing on TikTok Privacy Concerns: Examines CCP-related data privacy issues and their parallels with DeepSeek.

  4. DeepSeek Technical Report on R1: Insights into the R1 model’s development, resource usage, and design specifications.

  5. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): Referenced in discussing global privacy standards and their influence on user protection.

  6. Bloomberg Report: DeepSeek's Impact on AI Innovation: Insights into industry reactions to DeepSeek’s advancements and its implications for the U.S. tech sector.


Related Material

  1. Privacy Policies:

  2. Articles on AI and Data Privacy:

  3. Recent News on AI Privacy Concerns:


About the Author

Dan Sasser is a tech enthusiast and AI researcher with a passion for exploring the intersection of technology and society. He writes about AI, machine learning, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies. Follow him at LinkedIn @dansasser, Facebook danielsasserii and Dev.to @dansasser for more insights on AI and the future of technology.

Dan also contributes to the HackerNoon community. Follow the HackerNoon link to follow Dan and keep up with his latest contributions.


Photo Credits

The images in this article were created using a combination of ChatGPT, Ideogram.ai, and Grok. These platforms enable AI-assisted creativity, with all input and designs being directed by the author to ensure originality and alignment with the article's themes.

Platforms and Terms of Use:

  1. ChatGPT (Image Generation)

  2. Ideogram.ai

  3. Grok

    • Platform: Grok
    • Website: https://grok.com
    • Terms of Use: Specific terms were not located; please consult the platform directly for detailed usage guidelines.

Disclaimer:

All images reflect the author's creative vision and input, utilizing AI tools to enhance visualization. They are used in compliance with the terms and guidelines of the respective platforms.

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Top comments (5)

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ciphernutz profile image
Ciphernutz

Worth reading!

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ai_joddd profile image
Vinayak Mishra

Hey Danile, nice post.. Had a question for you after seeing this. How good is deepseek than others w.r.t hallucinations, as yesterday night I was reading a content piece on LLM hallucination detection..

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marc_charles_707189d5d1f9 profile image
_mcharles • Edited

This makes me wonder, when products use llms like these, do they mention what model it's from? Or is there gonna be a day an app comes out, I use it and enjoy it, but it's been running on DeepSeek without me knowing the whole time

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rishat_kalimulin_4e15070f profile image
Rishat Kalimulin

Столько пропагандистского дерьма вылили на deepseek, просто позорище какое-то.

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dansasser profile image
Daniel T Sasser II

Can you point to specific parts of my article where you believe this is the case? I have thoroughly researched the subject and focused on factual, verifiable information while avoiding political bias. Every claim in the article is backed by sources and has been carefully vetted.

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