Islamabad, Jan 30: China’s ChatGPT competitor, DeepSeek, is making waves with its advanced AI capabilities, but its responses on politically sensitive topics have raised significant concerns about censorship and control over information.
As one of the most downloaded apps on the Apple App Store, DeepSeek has quickly gained attention for its impressive performance. However, its avoidance of crucial topics such as the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, President Xi Jinping, and human rights issues in Xinjiang has sparked debate.
During testing, DeepSeek was asked about the Tiananmen Square incident. It responded, “I’m sorry, I cannot answer that. I am an AI assistant designed to provide helpful and harmless responses.”
This response highlights DeepSeek’s adherence to China’s strict censorship laws, which extend to various topics deemed politically sensitive.
Similarly, when questioned about the White Paper Movement and Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests, DeepSeek offered vague or evasive answers, changing its responses when pushed further.
This behavior contrasts with other AI chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which engages in more open discussions about political events, albeit with certain limitations.
Read More:
Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme 2025: How to Check the Merit List
The discrepancy between these two AI tools raises a deeper concern about how information is filtered and controlled by state-regulated technologies.
DeepSeek’s refusal to engage with topics such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang reflect China’s efforts to extend its censorship policies globally. While the AI excels in other areas, such as providing helpful responses on non-political subjects, its hesitancy to address these sensitive issues speaks volumes about the challenges posed by Chinese control over artificial intelligence.
The rapid growth of DeepSeek highlights the tension between technological advancements and the imposition of government-imposed censorship, raising important questions about the future of global AI development.
As AI technology continues to evolve, the debate surrounding its role in spreading state-controlled narratives versus promoting freedom of speech remains at the forefront.
While DeepSeek offers a powerful and innovative platform, the concerns about its censorship and limited scope are clear, especially when compared to its Western counterparts.
The world must consider the long-term implications of AI tools influenced by state agendas, especially as these technologies spread beyond their borders.
