Is DeepSeek a Game-Changer? Let’s compare Deepseek vs. ChatGPT. A new artificial intelligence model, DeepSeek, has taken the AI world by storm, drawing comparisons to ChatGPT and raising concerns in Washington. While OpenAI’s ChatGPT has dominated AI chatbots, DeepSeek has rapidly gained popularity, particularly in China, and has already been banned from use on U.S. government devices.
So how does the comparrisson of DeepSeek vs. ChatGPT look?? This article examines its performance, security risks, censorship concerns, and whether it poses a threat to U.S. AI leadership.
What Is DeepSeek?
DeepSeek is an AI-powered chatbot developed by a Chinese startup that uses large language models (LLMs) similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. However, it differs in several key ways:
✔️ China-Based Hosting – The DeepSeek app routes data through servers in China, making it subject to Chinese censorship laws.
✔️ Open-Source Model Availability – Unlike ChatGPT, parts of DeepSeek’s model can be accessed through open-source platforms like Perplexity and Microsoft, where data remains stored outside China.
✔️ Cheaper & More Efficient – DeepSeek claims it built its AI on a fraction of OpenAI’s budget, using low-cost infrastructure but still delivering competitive performance.
🔹 Key Takeaway: DeepSeek’s app is tightly controlled by Chinese regulations, but versions of its model are available outside China with fewer restrictions.
Performance: How Does it Compare? DeepSeek vs ChatGPT?
Independent testing shows that DeepSeek performs similarly to ChatGPT in many areas, including reasoning, creativity, and answering factual questions. However, there are notable differences:
| Feature | DeepSeek (App) | DeepSeek (Perplexity/Microsoft) | ChatGPT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability | Comparable to GPT-4 | Comparable to GPT-4 | Stronger with latest GPT-4 Turbo |
| Censorship | Heavily restricted (China’s content laws) | No known censorship | OpenAI’s moderation policies apply |
| Creativity | Good for general creative tasks | Similar to ChatGPT | More robust for complex prompts |
| Security Risks | Vulnerabilities found (Data leaks, malware risks) | More secure, hosted in the U.S. | OpenAI has stricter safeguards |
| Data Storage | China-based servers | U.S./Global servers | U.S.-based, with enterprise controls |
🔹 Key Takeaway: DeepSeek matches ChatGPT in many tasks, but its security vulnerabilities and censorship make it a controversial alternative.
Major Security Risks of DeepSeek
DeepSeek has been flagged for serious cybersecurity concerns, leading to restrictions on government and corporate devices.
🔻 Congressional & Military Bans
- The U.S. House of Representatives has banned DeepSeek over concerns that “threat actors are already exploiting DeepSeek to deliver malicious software.”
- The U.S. Navy warned that DeepSeek should not be used in “any capacity” due to security risks.
🔻 Data Leaks & Malware Threats
- Security researchers discovered DeepSeek exposed sensitive data, including chat histories and backend system access.
- Tests found that DeepSeek is four times more likely to generate malware or phishing content compared to ChatGPT.
🔻 AI Jailbreaking & Prompt Injection Risks
- DeepSeek was found to be highly vulnerable to “jailbreaking”, allowing hackers to bypass safety controls and generate harmful content (e.g., phishing emails, malware).
🔹 Key Takeaway: DeepSeek has critical security flaws that make it riskier than ChatGPT, especially for enterprise and government users.
The Censorship Problem: Can DeepSeek Be Trusted?
One of the biggest concerns about DeepSeek is its strict content moderation in China. Unlike ChatGPT, which operates under OpenAI’s guidelines, DeepSeek follows Chinese government censorship policies.
🔻 Real-World Censorship Tests
Axios tested DeepSeek’s app versus its U.S. versions and ChatGPT by asking about sensitive topics like Tiananmen Square:
✔️ DeepSeek (China-Based App): “I’m sorry, I cannot answer that question.”
✔️ DeepSeek (Perplexity/Microsoft Version): Provided factual historical details.
✔️ ChatGPT: Gave a similar response to DeepSeek’s U.S.-based version.
🔹 Key Takeaway: DeepSeek’s China-based app heavily censors content, but U.S.-hosted versions (Perplexity, Microsoft) operate without those restrictions.
U.S. Government Response: Will DeepSeek Be Banned?
DeepSeek has caught the attention of the White House, Congress, and national security officials, raising concerns about Chinese AI influence.
✔️ The White House is evaluating DeepSeek’s national security implications.
✔️ The U.S. banned DeepSeek from government devices over security risks.
✔️ Congress is considering broader restrictions, similar to the TikTok law.
🔹Source: DeepSeek AI raises national security concerns, U.S. officials say
🚨 Could DeepSeek Face a TikTok-Style Ban?
Given the strong reaction from lawmakers, DeepSeek could face additional U.S. restrictions in the near future. Some policymakers see it as an even greater security risk than TikTok due to its AI capabilities and data exposure risks.
🔹 Key Takeaway: The U.S. is taking DeepSeek seriously, and a broader ban could be on the horizon.
Final Verdict: Deepseek vs Chatgpt – Should You Use DeepSeek?
| Factor | DeepSeek (China-Based App) | DeepSeek (U.S. Versions) | ChatGPT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Risks | 🔴 High (Data leaks, malware risks) | 🟡 Moderate | 🟢 Low (Strict safeguards) |
| Censorship | 🔴 Heavy censorship (China’s laws) | 🟢 No censorship | 🟢 Moderate restrictions |
| Data Privacy | 🔴 Stored in China | 🟡 Stored outside China | 🟢 U.S.-based |
| Performance | 🟢 Good for general AI tasks | 🟢 Good for general AI tasks | 🟢 Stronger in complex reasoning |
✅ Use DeepSeek If:
✔️ You only access it through U.S.-based providers (e.g., Perplexity, Microsoft).
✔️ You need an alternative chatbot for research or creative tasks.
❌ Avoid DeepSeek If:
🚨 You value security and privacy (especially for sensitive data).
🚨 You don’t want censorship restrictions.
🚨 You’re concerned about potential bans or government actions.
What’s Next?
DeepSeek’s rise has shaken up the AI landscape, but security risks, censorship concerns, and government scrutiny could limit its adoption outside China.
Want to stay protected?
🔹 Read: Is DeepSeek AI Safe? Security Risks, Privacy Concerns, and How to Protect Yourself
🔹 Read: Is TikTok Safe in 2025? How to Protect Yourself & What the App Stores Don’t Tell You
🔹 Read: Best AI-Powered VPNs to Protect Your Privacy in 2025