Australia Takes a Stand DeepSeek AI Program Banned from Government Devices Amid National Security Concerns

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Title Australia Takes a Stand DeepSeek AI Program Banned from Government Devices Amid National Security Concerns

In a move that underscores its commitment to protecting citizens' data and national security, Australia has taken steps to ban the Chinese AI program, DeepSeek, from all government devices. This decision was made in consultation with security agencies, citing concerns about privacy and malware risks associated with the application.

DeepSeek, which gained attention for its impressive AI capabilities and affordability, has been met with skepticism by several countries, including South Korea, Italy, and France. Australia's move to prohibit DeepSeek's use on government systems and devices underscores the growing unease surrounding the application's data practices and potential threats to national security.

Concerns about Data Practices and National Security Risks

The Australian government has deemed the use of DeepSeek an unacceptable risk to its systems and devices, citing concerns about uploaded information not being kept private and exposure to malware. This is a serious concern for any country, particularly those with sensitive information.

Government Action and Directive

In response, the Australian government has issued a directive to all non-corporate Commonwealth entities, requiring them to identify and remove existing instances of DeepSeek products, applications, and web services from their systems and devices. Additionally, access, use, or installation of DeepSeek products is now prohibited across government systems and mobile devices.

Bipartisan Support

The decision has garnered bipartisan support among Australian politicians, with Deputy opposition leader Sussan Ley urging the public to think carefully about also removing DeepSeek from their private phones and computers.

Context

This move by Australia comes amidst ongoing tensions between China and Australia, which have been a concern for several years. Previous bans on Huawei in 2018 and TikTok in 2023 were also made on the advice of Australian intelligence agencies, citing national security concerns.

Conclusion

The banning of DeepSeek from government devices is a significant step forward by Australia, demonstrating its commitment to prioritizing data privacy and national security. As AI continues to shape the world, it is essential for countries to take proactive measures to ensure their systems and devices are secure. The decision to ban DeepSeek sends a strong message about the importance of placing security above convenience.

Keywords AI, DeepSeek, Australia, government devices, national security, privacy, malware, data practices.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

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