Chinese AI app DeepSeek blocked on some federal government phones

The Canadian federal government has taken action against Chinese artificial intelligence company DeepSeek, restricting its chatbot from being used on some mobile devices. Dominic Rochon, the chief information officer of the Treasury Board Secretariat, sent out a memo to government departments outlining the move to protect government networks and data.

The memo highlighted serious privacy concerns related to the collection and retention of sensitive personal information by DeepSeek. As a precautionary measure, Rochon recommended that all departments and agencies restrict the use of the DeepSeek chatbot on government devices. This restriction has already been implemented on mobile devices managed by Shared Services Canada, with the suggestion for other departments to follow suit.

DeepSeek, the company behind the chatbot, has not yet responded to the government’s actions. The chatbot has already been banned on government phones in Australia and is facing potential legislation in the United States.

Security experts have raised alarms about the chatbot, which was only recently released on popular app stores. While it has been praised for being energy-efficient and cost-effective, concerns have been raised about its data collection practices. The chatbot gathers a wide range of user information, including names, emails, telephone numbers, and even keystroke patterns. This data collection is particularly concerning due to Chinese national security laws that require organizations to assist with intelligence gathering.

The situation with DeepSeek is reminiscent of the issues surrounding the social media app TikTok, which was banned from federal government devices in Canada earlier this year. TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance Ltd., has faced scrutiny over its data practices and potential national security risks. Despite the bans and investigations, TikTok continues to challenge the orders, citing potential job losses and contract terminations in Canada.

The swift actions taken against DeepSeek and TikTok highlight the growing concerns around Chinese technology companies and their potential impacts on national security and privacy. It is crucial for government agencies to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to safeguard sensitive information and data.