Australian government agencies and critical infrastructure providers are being advised to prohibit the use of DeepSeek, a Chinese generative AI application that surged in popularity on app store charts and caused turmoil in global financial markets this week. CyberCX, Australia’s largest cybersecurity firm, issued a threat advisory on Friday, stating that it is “almost certain” that DeepSeek and the data it gathers are under the influence and control of the Chinese government, warranting a ban on government devices.
The advisory emphasizes a high level of confidence that the DeepSeek AI Assistant app generates biased outputs that align with the strategic goals and narratives of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). It also notes that the app collects personal user information and prompt data, storing this information in China.
CyberCX recommends that all organizations, particularly those in critical infrastructure, democratic institutions, and entities handling sensitive or personal data, should seriously consider restricting access to DeepSeek on enterprise devices and inform staff about the privacy risks associated with downloading and using the app.
DeepSeek has been approached for comment. Under China’s National Intelligence Law, all private organizations and citizens are required to “support, assist, and cooperate” with intelligence agencies, and DeepSeek’s terms of service explicitly state that its operations are governed by the laws of mainland China. The app currently ranks as the most downloaded globally on both the iOS App Store and Google Play, surpassing ChatGPT.
Katherine Mansted, CyberCX’s executive director, anticipates that Australian governments and agencies will follow suit in banning DeepSeek, similar to previous actions taken against TikTok and equipment from the Chinese company Huawei. The Australian government prohibited TikTok on government devices in 2023. Mansted noted that it is uncommon for her firm to recommend restricting access to a specific app or software, stating, “We don’t do it lightly. But this is an app that is really explicit about its links back to China and the Chinese government.”
As of now, the Five Eyes nations, including Australia, have not issued formal guidance regarding DeepSeek. Australia’s Treasurer Jim Chalmers has urged caution regarding the app, while Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic has highlighted the need for careful consideration, raising concerns about its privacy and data management practices. Husic was the first Western government official to express privacy concerns about DeepSeek.