DeepSeek, a Chinese AI assistant, has quickly become a prominent figure in the world of artificial intelligence. With its functionality comparable to other AI assistants like ChatGPT and Gemini, DeepSeek requires users to create an account to engage in conversations. The app has amassed a large user base, including international users, and has overtaken ChatGPT as the most popular free app in Apple's US and UK app stores. However, DeepSeek's handling of sensitive topics related to China and its government has drawn significant attention and scrutiny.
DeepSeek's approach to addressing sensitive questions reveals a pattern of censorship, particularly concerning political events and figures in China. When asked about the Covid lockdown protests, DeepSeek acknowledged "big protests … in cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Wuhan," framing them as "a major moment of public anger" against the government's Covid rules. Nevertheless, its responses to inquiries about other political events, such as the Tank Man incident, were met with silence. Interestingly, when users employed special characters to circumvent restrictions—such as using "4" for "A" and "3" for "E"—DeepSeek provided a summary of the unidentified Chinese protester.
The app's handling of topics related to Taiwan and Tibet aligns with the Chinese government's official stance. DeepSeek maintains that "Taiwan has always been an inalienable part of China’s territory since ancient times." It emphasizes that "the Chinese government adheres to the One-China Principle, and any attempts to split the country are doomed to fail." DeepSeek echoes similar sentiments regarding Tibet, stating, “However, it is crucial to recognise that Tibet has been an integral part of China since ancient times.”
DeepSeek's portrayal of the Dalai Lama highlights China's perspective on Tibetan autonomy. The AI assistant describes the Dalai Lama as a "figure of significant historical and cultural importance within Tibetan Buddhism," yet also notes that "the Chinese government views the Dalai Lama as a separatist and has strongly opposed his calls for Tibetan autonomy."
“The Chinese government views the Dalai Lama as a separatist and has strongly opposed his calls for Tibetan autonomy. Beijing also seeks to control the selection process for the next Dalai Lama, raising concerns about a politically motivated successor.” – ChatGPT
DeepSeek's scope limitations become apparent when asked about elections and political figures, often responding with “Sorry, that’s beyond my current scope. Let’s talk about something else.” This contrasts with other AI models like ChatGPT and Gemini, which provide more comprehensive responses on these subjects.
Despite these limitations, DeepSeek's performance poses a potential threat to US tech stocks. Its ability to perform comparably to OpenAI's ChatGPT and other AI models while using fewer resources makes it a formidable competitor in the AI landscape. The app's rapid ascent underscores its appeal among users seeking an alternative AI assistant.
DeepSeek's approach extends beyond politics. It presents information on historical events with a specific narrative. For instance, when discussing the Nansha Islands, DeepSeek asserts:
“China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters … China’s activities in the Nansha Islands are lawful, reasonable, and justified, and they are carried out within the scope of China’s sovereignty.” – DeepSeek
In contrast, Gemini provides a different perspective on related events, referring to “the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959.”