Data On DeepSeek May 'Be Somehow Weaponized Against The United States' - Suze Orman Says The AI App Faces Similar Fate As TikTok

Artificial intelligence has once again taken center stage in the tech world, and this time, it's because of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company that's making waves. Personal finance expert Suze Orman recently weighed in on the controversy surrounding the AI-powered assistant, warning that DeepSeek could face scrutiny similar to TikTok due to concerns about data security and foreign influence.

What Is DeepSeek?

DeepSeek, a Hangzhou-based startup, has developed AI models that rival those of leading U.S. tech firms. According to media reports, the company's DeepSeek-V3 model required less than $6 million in computing power to train, making it a cost-efficient alternative to models developed in the United States. The AI-powered assistant has surged in popularity, even surpassing OpenAI's ChatGPT as the top-rated free app on Apple's App Store.

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This has raised concerns among U.S. tech investors and policymakers, especially as major AI firms like OpenAI and Meta META continue to invest billions into AI research. DeepSeek's rapid rise has also sparked questions about whether U.S. tech companies' AI strategies need to be reevaluated.

Suze Orman's Concerns About DeepSeek

On a recent episode of her Women & Money podcast, Orman addressed the growing concern over DeepSeek, warning listeners about potential data security risks. She compared it with the ongoing controversy surrounding TikTok, which is facing a possible ban in the U.S. due to fears that data collected by the app could be accessed by the Chinese government.

Orman explained why she refuses to download the DeepSeek app, saying, "Everybody is having a fight right now over TikTok… because China has made it so that everybody that's on that app, they are gathering the information. They are finding out everything about them. They're recording every keystroke, everything that they do." 

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She then questioned whether DeepSeek could be engaging in similar data collection practices, adding, "Probably all the information that everybody is using on it, the questions that they're asking, everything is going to be gathered and somehow be weaponized against the United States."

While Orman's remarks reflect growing concerns about AI and national security, there is currently no publicly available evidence that DeepSeek is involved in data collection for the Chinese government. However, her warning highlights a broader debate about AI regulation and the role of foreign tech companies in the U.S. market.

DeepSeek's Connection to Beijing and AI Regulation Concerns

One of the factors fueling skepticism about DeepSeek is its connection to China's government. Media reports that DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng attended a closed-door symposium with Chinese Premier Li Qiang suggests the company's work is of interest to China's leadership.

Additionally, U.S. experts have raised concerns about how DeepSeek managed to develop its advanced AI models despite Washington's export controls, which restrict the sale of high-end AI chips to China. Some industry analysts suspect DeepSeek may have acquired these chips through undisclosed channels, though the company has not commented on these allegations.

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What's Next for DeepSeek in the U.S.?

DeepSeek's rise could put it on a similar path to TikTok, which has faced calls for restrictions and even an outright ban in the U.S. due to national security concerns. As AI continues to evolve, regulators may push for increased oversight of foreign AI models operating within the country.

For now, Orman advises caution. "There are so many great AI apps right here in the United States… I would stay as far away from DeepSeek as I possibly can," she said on her podcast.

Whether DeepSeek will face restrictions similar to TikTok remains to be seen. However, its success has undoubtedly intensified the global AI race, and U.S. policymakers will likely be watching its next moves closely.

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