Is DeepSeek safe to use? What you need to know before trying It

What is DeepSeek AI?

DeepSeek AI is an open-source large language model (LLM) developed by a Chinese artificial intelligence company by the same name. The free DeepSeek AI assistant app, released in January 2025, uses this model and is yet another addition to the market of AI-driven software.

Like most generative AI tools, DeepSeek AI assists its users with text generation, programming, translations, and data analysis using the flexibility of an open-source model. 

How does DeepSeek AI work?

DeepSeek AI assistant uses DeepSeek V3 — an advanced open-source LLM capable of processing and generating human-like text. It analyzes user queries, breaks them down into key components, and predicts the most relevant responses based on its training data. 

While DeepSeek's operating capabilities are similar to those of its competitors, the Chinese chatbot is already one of the most popular AI solutions. This raises the question: What's so different about DeepSeek compared to its predecessors?

What makes DeepSeek AI different from other AI models? 

The DeepSeek V3 model (used in the DeepSeek AI assistant app) rivals its competition (such as GPT-4 and Claude) in efficiency, coding, math, and Chinese language tasks. Its mixture of experts (MoE) architecture allows the app to complete tasks efficiently while also leading in advanced math benchmarks (such as AIME 2024 and MATH-500), indicating strong problem-solving skills. In addition, according to DeepSeek AI, the DeepSeek V3 model excels in competitive programming and software engineering tasks and demonstrates significantly stronger Chinese language comprehension compared to GPT-4 and Claude models.

However, even with its advantages, DeepSeek still has room for improvement. For example, the Chinese LLM seems slightly weaker in basic question answering (SimpleQA) than GPT-4o and Claude 3.5. Moreover, concerns over its censorship of sensitive political topics and questions about data collection have made it a highly debated AI model.

Why is DeepSeek AI gaining attention?

DeepSeek's free, efficient, and powerful AI model is one of the key reasons why the app exploded in the US and the global app stores. The media has also jumped on its rapid rise, with some calling it a game-changer. However, it’s not the only reason DeepSeek is getting attention. Experts are also questioning the app’s intellectual property issues, while discussions about data privacy and political censorship have made the headlines in many respected tech and news outlets. 

How DeepSeek AI handles user data

According to the DeepSeek AI privacy policy, the app collects sensitive data, including chat messages, device information (such as device model), and interaction details (for example, system language). Such vast data collection is typical between all major AI models. However, DeepSeek’s collected data is stored on servers in China, which has raised concerns about potential access by the Chinese government. 

Cybersecurity experts also believe DeepSeek's data collection practices could lead to misuse or unauthorized access, especially given China's data access laws. Due to such privacy concerns, these doubts have led several countries, such as Taiwan, to initiate investigations or impose bans on using DeepSeek within government departments. 

Security risks of using DeepSeek AI

DeepSeek AI assistant, while attractive, still poses significant security risks. Independent researchers and cybersecurity experts have yet to provide a complete list of potential safety risks, but some of the already found issues include:

• Data vulnerabilities. DeepSeek collects vast amounts of data, which may put a target on the company’s back. And since DeepSeek’s cybersecurity measures are largely unknown, trusting user data with it might be risky.

• Privacy concerns. While it’s known that DeepSeek collects user responses and data to improve its AI model, it’s unclear how long this data is stored. The fact that DeepSeek is a Chinese company (and knowing China’s history with strict data regulations and surveillance) raises further concern about the privacy of user data and potential national security risks. 

• Misinformation risks (AI hallucinations). Like many other AI models, DeepSeek can generate false, misleading, or biased information, known as AI hallucinations. That can spread misinformation, causing confusion, reinforcing biases, and influencing public opinion on sensitive topics.

• Third-party integrations. DeepSeek AI supports integrations with other tools and platforms (such as Amazon), which may pose additional risks (for example, supply-chain attacks).

• Ethical misuse. Like any other capable AI model, DeepSeek is vulnerable to weaponizing for misinformation, deepfake generation, or automated scams. This poses a risk of false narratives, manipulation of public opinion, or increased numbers of fraudulent content. 

DeepSeek AI database leak

On January 29, Wiz Research discovered a DeepSeek database leak and reported it to the Chinese company. While DeepSeek has secured the database, mitigating further risks, they have yet to comment on the situation as of this article. 

According to the Wiz Research report, the data leak included “chat history, secret keys, backend details, and other highly sensitive information.” While it’s unknown whether the leak affected user personal data, this incident only emphasizes DeepSeek's vulnerabilities, causing more concern not only for the platform’s critics but also for users and other AI companies.

How to use DeepSeek AI safely

To use DeepSeek AI safely, taking some precautionary steps is crucial. Here's what you can do to safeguard yourself while using the DeepSeek AI assistant:

• Avoid inputting sensitive data. AI models like DeepSeek or ChatGPT collect user data to improve performance. To feel safer about your sensitive data, refrain from providing your personal information (name, surname, physical address) when using DeepSeek or any other AI model.

• Verify AI-generated information. While DeepSeek can generate responses in seconds, the validity of the information remains in question. To avoid falling for AI hallucination, consider double-checking the information the AI model provides (ask for sources or use search engines to verify the accuracy of AI’s statements).

• Monitor AI usage in workflows. If you're using DeepSeek AI for work-related tasks, follow company security policies and be cautious with AI-assisted decision-making. Automating critical processes without human oversight can prove disastrous in case of emergency.

• Avoid using DeepSeek AI on work devices. Since most AI models collect user data, it’s better to avoid using DeepSeek on company laptops, work networks, or devices storing confidential files.

• Use a VPN for extra protection. While a VPN cannot limit data exposure to DeepSeek or any other AI model, it can at least discern exposed data from your IP by encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address when browsing online.

Alternatives to DeepSeek AI

If you're still concerned about DeepSeek, you're not the only one. Thousands of people have expressed concern, ranging from data privacy issues to the potential vulnerabilities of DeepSeek's databases. Luckily, DeepSeek isn't the only AI assistant available to the public. So, if you're looking for DeepSeek alternatives, here are some AI search engines and models to consider:

DISCLAIMER: The information is based on publicly available sources, AI model documentation, and third-party analyses.

Final verdict: Is DeepSeek safe?

Yes, DeepSeek AI is generally safe to use, but users should be cautious about privacy risks, particularly when providing their sensitive data to the chatbot. While the scope and damage of the recent DeepSeek database leak are still fully unknown (the company hasn’t yet commented on the situation), it’s hard to evaluate the platform’s safety and the measures that have been taken to protect user data.

In addition, while easily accessible and robust in its capability, DeepSeek is still an AI model that can make mistakes. Like all AI models, it can suffer from AI hallucinations, biased or inaccurate responses, or even censorship (particularly in DeepSeek's case). That means users should remain skeptical about its responses and double-check the information, especially regarding sensitive topics, such as geopolitics.

While DeepSeek AI is a useful tool with the potential to turn the tech market on its head, it's still in its infancy. Until DeepSeek becomes more transparent, users may want to explore alternative AI models with stronger privacy safeguards.