The United Kingdom has issued a warning to its citizens and businesses, urging them to “exercise caution” as governments grapple with the challenges posed by “DeepSeek,” a controversial new Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) model. Among the considerations is the possibility of an outright ban on the technology.
UK AI Minister Frial Clark stated, “Ultimately, the decision is personal for each individual on whether to download it or not. My advice is for users to be aware of the potential risks and understand how their data is being used.”
The DeepSeek application has caused a significant stir in global markets this week, demonstrating capabilities comparable to the best American models but at a much lower cost, according to its developer, as reported by Bloomberg.
Additionally, its mobile app has topped download charts, prompting several Western countries to reassess its implications for national security, given its widespread adoption, low cost, and Chinese origins.
In related developments, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman admitted to a misstep in not adopting an open-source strategy similar to that of DeepSeek. Altman said, “I personally think we were on the wrong side of history here and need to figure out a different open-source strategy. DeepSeek is a very good model.”
Altman made these remarks during an “Ask Me Anything” session on Reddit, where he answered questions, including whether he would consider open-sourcing OpenAI’s research. He expressed support for the idea, noting that it is a topic of ongoing discussion within the San Francisco-based company.
However, Altman clarified that adopting an open-source strategy is not currently a priority for OpenAI, as there is no consensus within the company on the matter.