Bill Drexel, a fellow at the Center for a New American Security, has emphasized the need for the United States to implement a comprehensive strategy to address threats posed by Chinese technology. Drexel shared his views with Federal Newswire on January 31, suggesting that instead of playing "whack-a-mole," a more structured approach is necessary.
"We should consider DeepSeek's platform similarly to how we've considered TikTok," said Drexel. "But to stop a game of whack-a-mole with apps like TikTok, DeepSeek, and RedNote, we really need a more comprehensive, principles-based approach to how we are going to approach these threats, clarifying what data we don't want accessible to China, for which reasons, and how to verify compliance. Equally importantly, we need to make sure that we are accelerating our AI sector with conducive policies: R&D funding for basic research, minimal regulations, continued export controls on advanced chips to China, and a diversified approach to ensuring that the United States remains the most dynamic place to build and commercialize AI systems."
According to CBS, the China-based artificial intelligence (AI) app DeepSeek has quickly gained popularity among American users since its launch in the U.S. in January. Policymakers and cybersecurity experts have expressed concerns about potential national security threats associated with DeepSeek. Experts indicate that China's laws permit the Chinese government access to DeepSeek's data, raising privacy and data security issues for U.S. users.
Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) have called for consideration of export controls on semiconductor chips crucial to DeepSeek's operations. According to a press release, DeepSeek utilizes Nvidia’s H800 chip, which currently falls outside existing U.S. export controls. Moolenaar and Krishnamoorthi argue that DeepSeek's use of this chip highlights the necessity for ongoing reviews and updates to export controls to prevent Chinese firms from exploiting regulatory gaps and loopholes to advance their AI ambitions.
CBS reported that DeepSeek's privacy policy states it collects personal information from users and stores it on servers located in China. The data collected includes users' "device model, operating system, keystroke patterns or rhythms, IP address, and system language," along with "service-related, diagnostic, and performance information, including crash reports and performance logs." Ross Burley of the nonprofit Centre for Information Resilience suggested that China could utilize this data for activities such as "disinformation campaigns" and "targeted messaging."
Drexel's work at the Center for a New American Security's Technology and National Security Program centers on Sino-American competition, AI, and technology. According to the organization's website, he previously worked in Indo-Pacific affairs at the American Enterprise Institute and in humanitarian innovation at the United Nations.
