The artificial intelligence landscape is shifting. Though ChatGPT has been reigning, recent figures show this might turn into a change in fortunes. Emerging from China, DeepSeek is taking the US by storm, with the apparent weakening of ChatGPT's user engagement. Its rise is not without controversy. It raises vital questions about national security and data privacy.
ChatGPT's US Traffic Declines While DeepSeek Surges
Semrush puts this into perspective with an incredible trend in the United States. Daily visits by ChatGPT dropped from 22.1 million in October 2024 to 14.9 million as of January 2025. DeepSeek has contrastingly experienced very fast growth. Its users went from 2.3k in October to 71.2k on January 19th. This is an incredible feat for such a short period of time.
The footprint of DeepSeek has risen astronomically on the global map, surpassing 7.12 million visits. The growth at the top of the download charts across 140 countries showcases that the zeitgeist might favor changing user habits. It also indicates evolving interest in more alternatives for creative AI applications. The recent upward trajectory has sent ripples. It raises an onslaught of concerns pertaining to national security.
National Security and Cybersecurity Red Flags
The real source of the controversy centers on DeepSeek's jurisdiction of operation. OpenAI's ChatGPT operates under US law. DeepSeek operates under Chinese law. This means it must adhere to Beijing's strict policies on data sharing. Experts have sounded warnings of user data being exploited. They say the vast data sets compiled through the app could be used for strategic advantage by the Chinese government. These datasets range from personal queries all the way to sensitive industry intelligence.
Besides, cybersecurity vulnerabilities also started to be a big issue. Several well-known cybersecurity companies have found potential weaknesses in the DeepSeek platform. Recently, DeepSeek itself confirmed the fact of a major cyberattack. This again fueled anxieties about data security.
Expert Warnings: Data Exploitation and Surveillance Risks
Experts voice concerns about the wider implications of DeepSeek's rise to fame.
"This isn't just about stolen data-it's about mapping public sentiment, tracking industry trends, and influencing narratives." - Dewardric McNeal, Senior Analyst at Longview Global
Apprehension extends beyond individual user privacy. There are also concerns by industries and policymakers. The open-source approach of DeepSeek might inadvertently give China deeper insight into critical US supply chains and technological advances. The openness to spur innovation may be a double-edged sword. It potentially lowers barriers to access and exploitation in data.
"One malicious update is all it takes." - Matt Pearl, Former Biden Administration Advisor
It comes with an even more stark warning from former Biden administration advisor Matt Pearl. He has labeled DeepSeek's privacy policy "essentially meaningless" under Chinese law. He said the app could be weaponized for mass surveillance, tracking users across devices, and even embedding malware through seemingly benign updates.
Possible Ban and Future of AI Competition
Just as US-China relations continue to deteriorate, along comes another: a DeepSeek ban. For Matt Pearl, the precedents are there in cases such as TikTok. DeepSeek raises even more significant concerns, however. AI data is becoming sensitive for potentially strategic misuse. The big question is whether the US will allow a Chinese AI disruptor to capture serious market share. Or will regulatory action be thrown at such an upstart in a bid to contain its rapid rise and alleviate growing security fears. As competition in AI heats up, stakes are high.
