The creator of ChatGPT, OpenAI, has raised concerns that competitors, notably in China, are utilizing its work to make rapid progress in developing their own artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
According to Bloomberg, Microsoft is investigating potential unauthorized use of data owned by OpenAI, a significant investor.
The BBC has reached out to Microsoft and DeepSeek for comments on the matter.
David Sacks, the White House "AI and crypto czar," has expressed similar worries to those of OpenAI, pointing out the potential for knowledge distillation by companies like DeepSeek leveraging OpenAI's models.
In response to these challenges, US authorities have taken measures to safeguard advancements in AI, implementing regulations that restrict China's access to advanced chips and promote investments in the US for national security reasons.
OpenAI stressed the importance of collaborating with the US government to safeguard cutting-edge AI models from foreign entities seeking to replicate them.
Naomi Haefner, from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland, questioned whether DeepSeek developed its models entirely independently or relied on data from OpenAI.
Crystal van Oosterom, an AI Venture Partner at Open Ocean, acknowledged that DeepSeek drew on research from reputable American and European institutions, although the ethical implications remain uncertain.
US officials are evaluating the national security implications of DeepSeek, following concerns raised by the White House press secretary regarding potential threats posed by the application.
The US navy reportedly barred its members from using DeepSeek's apps due to perceived security and ethical risks associated with the origins and usage of its models.
Regarding DeepSeek's data handling and security measures, experts caution users about the risks of sharing personal data given its servers in China and reports of cyberattacks targeting the company.
DeepSeek stated it would restrict new registrations temporarily due to ongoing large-scale cyber attacks on its software.
Credit to Fan Wang for additional reporting.