The article discusses how DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, has released an open-source AI model that performs similarly to GPT-4, raising national security concerns among U.S. officials. The model’s release highlights growing tensions between the U.S. and China in the AI race, with parallels drawn to TikTok’s situation. DeepSeek’s model, while demonstrating impressive capabilities, has sparked debate about potential hidden features and security risks. The article emphasizes how open-source AI models from China could be used to gather data or contain hidden functionalities that could compromise national security. Experts warn about the difficulty in verifying the absence of malicious code in such models. The situation reflects broader concerns about China’s AI advancement and its potential impact on global technological competition. The article also discusses how this development fits into the larger context of U.S.-China tech relations, including recent semiconductor export controls and AI regulations. While some experts advocate for careful scrutiny of Chinese AI models, others argue for maintaining open scientific collaboration. The piece concludes by highlighting the complex balance between fostering technological innovation and protecting national security interests, suggesting that DeepSeek’s case may influence future policy decisions regarding Chinese AI technologies.
Source: https://time.com/7210875/deepseek-national-security-threat-tiktok/