Deepseek AI chatbot may have been limiting new users due to security concerns
Deepseek AI chatbot may have been limiting new users due to security concerns
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Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek, which has been under scrutiny due to international security concerns, has reopened access for new users according to experts. A cybersecurity specialist suggested that the platform could have been controlling sign-ups over the past week "strategically" due to these "international security concerns". Last week, DeepSeek made waves in the US financial markets as it was tipped as a potential contender to America's ChatGPT.
Notably, DeepSeek claims to have been created with less than $10m, significantly lower than the billions invested by American tech giants in AI. DeepSeek soared to the top of global app downloads but then abruptly restricted new user registrations to those possessing a Chinese phone number, citing "large-scale malicious attacks". While this measure threw up red flags, the warning banner previously displayed on its login webpage has since been removed, and new user registration and login capabilities have resumed.
Nevertheless, security worries remain, especially given that the app stores data within China, which amplifies fears about potential data harvesting for Chinese intelligence services. Furthermore, OpenAI, ChatGPT’s parent company, has levelled allegations at DeepSeek, claiming it utilised OpenAI's models to develop their own technology. Italy has taken the lead by banning the app, and reports suggest that Australia has followed suit by prohibiting it on government devices, with the US also pondering similar actions. Bill Conner, CEO of automation company Jitterbit and ex-security advisor to both UK and US governments, said: "It’s possible that DeepSeek has been managing user sign-ups strategically due to international security concerns raised by the US with its proposed bill to ban the technology as well as Australia’s ban.".
He raises alarm over the reported security loopholes within the model, and practices of data being sent straight to China Mobile—a Chinese state-owned telecom giant already barred from operating in the US. The unexpected spike in demand for the service could be putting a strain on the infrastructure, potentially casting doubts on the efficiency claims made by DeepSeek. He added: "Recent reports have highlighted potential security vulnerabilities in the model, as well as concerns about data transmission practices directly to China Mobile, a Chinese state-owned telecommunications company that has been banned from operating in the United States.".
Mr Conner suggests that the decision to restrict registrations to mainland China phone numbers is likely a move to dodge regulatory heat and manage international relations under the weighty geopolitical climate, "Additionally, the rapid surge in user demand may be straining their infrastructure and undermining DeepSeek’s claims of the model’s capabilities.". Chris Anley, chief scientist at cybersecurity firm NCC Group, said: "Given these factors and the broader geopolitical considerations, DeepSeek’s approach to limiting registrations to mainland China numbers seems to have been a strategic decision to navigate regulatory scrutiny and international relations.".
"If attackers can’t get a valid account, then they can’t make requests and consume lots of resources, so in turn can’t disrupt services.". He, however, warned users to be vigilant when interacting with any AI chatbot, due to the surge in hackers leveraging their rising popularity to deceive individuals into divulging personal details. "When handling chatbots like DeepSeek, always make sure you are using the legitimate app for the chatbot and be careful what information you give it," he advised. "Third party apps could be malware which harvest your data, so avoid sharing sensitive data like personal or financial credentials.".
