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Czech Republic bans Chinese AI firm DeepSeek from government use over cybersecurity fears
The Czech Republic banned Chinese AI startup DeepSeek from government use due to cybersecurity risks and data privacy concerns linked to Chinese state cooperation. Other countries like Italy and Australia have taken similar actions.
Czech Republic Bans Chinese AI Startup DeepSeek from Government Use Over Cybersecurity Risks
The Czech Republic has officially prohibited the use of any products from DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence startup, within its state administration. This decision responds to growing cybersecurity concerns raised by national authorities.
Reason Behind the Ban
Prime Minister Petr Fiala confirmed that the government acted following a warning from the national cybersecurity watchdog. The watchdog highlighted risks related to unauthorized access to users’ data, emphasizing that DeepSeek is legally required to cooperate with Chinese state authorities.
International Context
This move aligns with similar actions taken by other countries aiming to safeguard user data from potential foreign state interference:
- Italy blocked access to the DeepSeek chatbot earlier this year.
- Australia has also restricted the use of DeepSeek products due to privacy concerns.
- Last month, a German privacy official urged Apple and Google to remove DeepSeek from their app stores over privacy issues.
Previous Czech Measures Against Chinese Technology
The Czech government has been cautious about Chinese technology for several years. In 2018, it ceased using hardware and software from telecommunications companies Huawei and ZTE, citing security threats.
About DeepSeek
Founded in 2023 in Hangzhou, China, DeepSeek launched its first AI large language model within the same year. The startup’s rapid development has drawn attention, but concerns about data security have limited its acceptance in sensitive government environments.
Government professionals interested in understanding more about AI and its secure implementation can explore resources and training at Complete AI Training.