The rapid evolution of AI is quickly reshaping our lives, influencing the way we think, interact, and solve problems. Whether you’re a team leader, a professional, or simply using AI daily, its impact is unavoidable.

As AI becomes more integrated into our workflows and daily routines, companies are scrambling to build the next big breakthrough. One of the latest to emerge in this race is DeepSeek.

In January 2025, a Chinese AI model flooded the internet with its first chatbot version, DeepSeek-R1. Within weeks, it became the most downloaded free app in the U.S., pushing OpenAI out of the top spot.

What Sparked DeepSeek’s Success

• Price: DeepSeek-R1 disrupted the AI space with high performance at a fraction of the cost—96% cheaper than other models, making it a go-to choice for businesses, developers, and companies wanting affordable AI.

• Reasoning Model: Unlike basic chatbots, it was the first to visibly show its reasoning process step by step, break down complex problems logically, and outperform major AI models in math and coding benchmarks.

• Efficiency: Instead of relying on massive GPU clusters, DeepSeek-R1 was trained using far fewer chips while maintaining strong performance. This optimized approach not only makes it cheaper to run but also easier to deploy.

Why Has DeepSeek Come Under Closer Review by Experts and Governments

As DeepSeek continues to gain momentum, discussions have emerged around how AI models handle security and protection. While many users have embraced its affordability and efficiency, some researchers and policymakers are taking a closer look at its safeguards.

Independent researchers tested the chatbot’s safety measures and reported that it struggled with certain well-known jailbreak attempts designed to bypass restrictions. Around the same time, reports surfaced about an unprotected database linked to DeepSeek, leading to questions about how sensitive information, such as user conversations and API keys, is managed. While the full scope of the situation is still being examined, these findings have become part of a broader conversation in cybersecurity circles.

Some countries have taken a cautious approach in response to these developments. South Korea temporarily paused new downloads, while Italy and Taiwan introduced additional restrictions. In Australia, DeepSeek has been banned on government devices.

While discussions around DeepSeek’s role in the broader AI landscape continue, Foreign Policy has highlighted its emergence as part of the growing global competition in artificial intelligence, particularly between China and the U.S.

What These Potential Findings Could Mean for You and Your Team

While details about DeepSeek's potential security vulnerabilities are still unfolding, let's take a look at what they could mean in practice for you and your team if proven true.

• Exposure of sensitive business data and private conversations: If security gaps exist, confidential company information such as client records, financial details, or proprietary strategies could become accessible to unintended parties. This could also apply to stored conversations, raising concerns about competitive risks, reputational impact, and long-term data retention.

• Legal and regulatory uncertainty: If an AI tool does not fully align with data protection laws like GDPR, businesses using it may face compliance challenges. This could lead to restrictions in certain regions, additional security obligations, or regulatory scrutiny affecting how AI-powered tools can be used in professional settings.

Being aware of these risks helps you make informed decisions about security in your digital environment. Whether you use AI casually or as part of a team, staying mindful of potential challenges is key to protecting your information.

About #EXTRASAFEcheck:
New security risks pop up every day, spreading faster than ever. From AI flaws to data leaks, even the most popular apps can pose hidden threats, affecting both teams and individual users. That’s why our monthly review brings you the most important updates to keep you informed and protected. Follow #EXTRASAFEcheck to spot risks early and make safer online choices.