Taiwan bans use of Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek over security concerns

The Island of Taiwan has barred public sector workers and key infrastructure facilities from using DeepSeek, citing national security risks linked to the Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) product.

The island’s Ministry of Digital Affairs announced Friday that all government agencies and critical infrastructure operators must refrain from using DeepSeek due to concerns over “cross-border transmission and information leakage.”

“DeepSeek AI service is a Chinese product,” the ministry said in a statement. “Its operation involves cross-border transmission and information leakage and other information security concerns.”

DeepSeek, which launched its R1 chatbot last month, claims to rival leading AI models in the United States while operating with a fraction of the investment. The product’s emergence has sparked concern worldwide, with countries including South Korea, Ireland, France, Australia, and Italy questioning its data security measures.

Taiwan-China tensions, DeepSeek’s international scrutiny

Taiwan has long accused China of employing “grey zone” tactics—coercive actions that stop short of war—including cyberattacks and espionage efforts aimed at destabilizing the island. Since 2019, the government has prohibited the use of information and communication technology products deemed a threat to national security.

DeepSeek’s rapid rise, also overtaking ChatGPT in the Turkish market, has also rattled financial markets, as investors took note of its ability to compete with U.S. tech giants despite strict U.S. restrictions on China’s access to advanced semiconductors.

Taiwan’s decision follows similar moves by international regulators. Earlier this week, Italy launched an investigation into DeepSeek’s R1 model and blocked it from processing Italian users’ data, while watchdogs in South Korea and Ireland requested further clarity on the company’s data management policies.