As ChatGPT starts to show signs of losing its grip, DeepSeek, a rising Chinese AI company, is pushing hard into the global arena. Data from Semrush indicates a sharp decline in ChatGPT’s daily visits in the U.S., dropping from 22.1 million in October 2024 to just 14.9 million by January 2025. In contrast, DeepSeek is experiencing impressive growth, with visits leaping from 2.3k in October to 71.2k by January 19, marking a remarkable increase in a very short time.
Global Impact of DeepSeek
On a worldwide scale, DeepSeek’s traffic has skyrocketed past 7.12 million, and its quick rise to the top of download charts in 140 countries indicates a significant change in what consumers prefer. Yet, this success has ignited serious controversy.
National Security Concerns
Central to the argument are the national security risks associated with DeepSeek. Unlike OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which operates under different regulations, DeepSeek is governed by Chinese laws that require strict data-sharing. Experts are raising alarms about the app’s massive amount of user data, which includes everything from personal inquiries to specific industry information that may be used for strategic advantages. Issues regarding cybersecurity have already come to light, as major companies have pointed out vulnerabilities, with DeepSeek itself admitting to a serious cyberattack just last week.
Dewardric McNeal, a senior analyst at Longview Global, highlights the larger significance of this issue: “This isn’t just about stolen data—it’s about mapping public sentiment, tracking industry trends, and influencing narratives.” Concerns go beyond individual users; industries and lawmakers are wary that DeepSeek’s open-source nature could give China more insight into U.S. supply chains and technological advancements.
Former advisor to the Biden administration, Matt Pearl, expresses even greater worry, labeling DeepSeek’s privacy policy as worthless under Chinese regulations. He cautions that the app could be used for mass surveillance, monitoring users across multiple devices, and potentially embedding malware through software updates. “One bad update is all it takes,” Pearl warns.
Future of DeepSeek in the U.S.
With rising tensions between the U.S. and China, some are beginning to think that a ban on DeepSeek is likely. “If TikTok faced scrutiny, DeepSeek is an even bigger concern,” Pearl states. As the competition in AI heats up, the lingering question is: Will the U.S. permit a Chinese AI company to take over its market, or will regulatory actions put a stop to its expansion?
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