Australia Bans DeepSeek on Government Devices, Sparking Outrage from China
Australia has banned the Chinese AI company DeepSeek from all government systems and devices, citing national security concerns. The decision has triggered a sharp response from Beijing, with China’s foreign ministry accusing Australia of “ideological discrimination.”
What Happened?
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced the ban on Tuesday night. He stated that DeepSeek poses potential risks to national security. However, the ban applies only to government devices. Everyday users can still download and use DeepSeek.
This move mirrors restrictions on TikTok, which is also banned on Australian government devices but remains accessible to the public.
China’s Reaction
China has strongly criticized the decision. A state-controlled media outlet called the ban “unjustified” and accused Australia of targeting Chinese companies unfairly. The backlash highlights growing tensions between the two nations over technology and security.
China’s AI sector has been rapidly advancing, with companies like DeepSeek making significant strides. Some experts believe DeepSeek is setting a benchmark for Chinese firms, pushing the boundaries of AI development despite international scrutiny.
Global Context
Australia isn’t alone in its concerns. Taiwan and the US state of Texas have imposed similar restrictions on DeepSeek for government devices. Italy has gone further, removing DeepSeek from app stores entirely.
Amid this scrutiny, DeepSeek’s leadership has remained committed to innovation. CEO Liang Wenfeng has taken an unconventional approach by prioritizing creativity and hiring humanities graduates instead of focusing solely on technical expertise. This strategy is part of DeepSeek’s long-term vision for AI development, even as geopolitical pressures mount.
These actions reflect broader global scrutiny of Chinese tech companies amid rising geopolitical tensions.
What’s Next?
While the ban limits DeepSeek’s presence on government devices, it doesn’t affect private users. However, the controversy underscores the challenges Chinese tech firms face in expanding globally. As debates over national security and technology continue, DeepSeek’s future in international markets remains uncertain.
With the Democratic Party of Korea also preparing a response to DeepSeek, it is clear that the debate over AI security and international regulations is far from over.
