DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, is facing a growing backlash from regulators and corporations worldwide, with its viral AI models and chatbot apps being banned by a increasing number of countries and government bodies. The primary concerns revolve around DeepSeek's ethics, privacy, and security practices, with many expressing worries over potential data leakage to the Chinese government.

According to DeepSeek's privacy policy, the company stores all user data in China, where local laws mandate organizations to share data with intelligence officials upon request. This has raised red flags among governments and corporations, who fear that sensitive information could be compromised.

Italy was one of the first countries to ban DeepSeek, following an investigation by the country's privacy watchdog into the company's handling of personal data. The Italian Data Protection Authority (DPA) launched an investigation into DeepSeek's data collection practices and compliance with the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Despite DeepSeek's claims that its apps didn't fall under EU jurisdiction, the DPA disagreed and took steps to remove the company's apps from Apple and Google app stores in Italy.

Taiwan has also banned government agencies from using DeepSeek's AI, citing concerns over "national information security" and the risk of "cross-border transmission and information leakage." The Taiwanese government's ban applies to employees of government agencies, public schools, and state-owned enterprises.

In the United States, the U.S. Congress has been warned not to use DeepSeek tech, with the House's Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) sending a notice to congressional offices indicating that the technology is "under review." The CAO has prohibited staffers from installing DeepSeek applications on official devices, citing concerns over malware and device infections.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued an order banning software from DeepSeek and other Chinese companies from government-issued devices in the state, citing concerns over "hostile foreign actors." The U.S. Navy has also instructed its members not to use DeepSeek apps or technology, citing "potential security and ethical concerns" associated with the tech's origins and usage.

The Pentagon has blocked access to DeepSeek technologies, although some staff had accessed them before the ban. The Defense Information Systems Agency, responsible for the Pentagon's IT networks, moved to ban DeepSeek's website in January after defense officials raised concerns over unauthorized use.

NASA has also banned employees from using DeepSeek tech, citing national security concerns due to the company's servers operating outside the U.S. The agency has blocked use of DeepSeek apps on "agency-managed devices and networks."

The widespread backlash against DeepSeek raises important questions about the ethics and security of AI development, particularly when it comes to companies with ties to foreign governments. As the list of regions and corporations banning DeepSeek's apps and technology continues to grow, it remains to be seen how the company will respond to these concerns and whether it can regain the trust of its users.

In the meantime, the bans serve as a warning to other AI companies to prioritize transparency, security, and ethics in their development and deployment of AI models and chatbot apps. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial that companies and governments work together to establish clear guidelines and regulations to ensure the responsible development and use of AI technology.