China declares DeepSeek 'national treasure': What does it mean?
What's the story
DeepSeek, a top Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) company, has officially been named a "national treasure" by the Chinese government.
The recognition emphasizes its importance in the global AI race and China's dedication to pushing its AI industry forward.
The company's sophisticated technology is viewed as a key factor in making China more competitive against leading tech giants around the world.
Global competition
DeepSeek's AI model R1 challenges global competitors
DeepSeek's AI model, R1, has received worldwide acclaim for its powerful and affordable capabilities like chatbots, content generation, and other AI-powered tools.
It has quickly become the number one app on major app stores around the world.
This swift success makes DeepSeek a competitor against global behemoths like OpenAI and Google DeepMind.
Employee rights
Employee passport confiscation raises concerns
In a controversial move, DeepSeek has seized the passports of some of its key employees.
The company says this is to prevent any potential leaks of sensitive information, including trade secrets or state secrets.
However, the move raises questions about employee rights and personal freedom in the name of China's national security measures.
International scrutiny
Global concerns over DeepSeek's data collection practices
DeepSeek's rapid expansion has caught global attention, with many countries concerned.
The US, European Union, and India are apprehensive that the Chinese government could access user data through DeepSeek's AI tools.
The concern is further heightened by the fact that DeepSeek's FAQ page mentions it collects users' data.
In light of these concerns, the US has imposed restrictions on Chinese AI firms citing national security risks.
Data protection
India's response to DeepSeek's rapid expansion
India is also reviewing its own policies in light of these developments, particularly ensuring that foreign AI applications don't pose a threat to user data and national security.
As AI becomes an integral part of business, education, and daily life in India, protecting user data remains a top priority.
Experts have raised concerns about the potential for Chinese AI tools to collect and store data in unsafe ways.