Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Feb.1: Taiwan has prohibited public sector employees and critical infrastructure workers from using DeepSeek, citing national security concerns over the Chinese artificial intelligence platform. The ban was announced on Friday by Taiwan’s Digital Development Department.
In a statement, the Digital Development Department stated that the ban on DeepSeek’s products is to “avoid the transmission of user-related data or consultations by products with cybersecurity concerns.”
“DeepSeek AI services are Chinese products, with concerns involving cross-border data transmission and information leakage, posing a threat to national cybersecurity,” the statement from the Digital Development Department stated.
The ban aligns with existing guidelines for generative AI use in Taiwan’s government institutions, which prohibit officials from sharing confidential public affairs, personal data, or non-public information with AI platforms.
“Officers in charge of business matters must not provide generative AI with information involving confidential public affairs, personal data, or information not publicly disclosed by the agency or institution, nor should they ask generative AI questions that might involve confidential business or personal data,” the statement further noted.
Several countries, including South Korea, Ireland, France, Australia, and Italy, have raised questions about the company’s handling of user information. On the same day as Taiwan’s announcement, South Korean privacy regulators launched an inquiry into DeepSeek’s personal information collection and management practices.
Beyond data security, concerns have been raised about DeepSeek’s content censorship, particularly regarding politically sensitive topics. Critics argue that the platform’s alignment with Chinese state narratives could influence public perception on contested issues involving countries occupied by China like Tibet, East Turkestan, and Hong Kong.
The ban comes at a time of heightened cybersecurity concerns, with Taiwan reporting an increase in cyberattacks. According to the Taiwan National Security Bureau, cyberattacks on government departments have doubled in 2024, reaching an average of 2.4 million attacks per day, compared to 1.2 million in 2023. The majority of these attacks have been attributed to Chinese cyber forces.
The decision also comes amid heightened cross-strait tensions between Taiwan and China, with the latter continuing to assert territorial claims over the self-governing island. Taiwan’s recently elected President Lai Ching-te has called for dialogue with China while maintaining the cross-strait status quo.
