Washington, D.C. – U.S. lawmakers announced a bill to ban DeepSeek, the Chinese AI chatbot app, from government devices following a security analysis by Feroot Security that revealed alarming privacy and national security risks. The research suggests that DeepSeek collects user data, including digital fingerprints, login credentials, and behavioral information, potentially sending it to servers tied to the Chinese government.
Feroot Security CEO Ivan Tsarynny, speaking on Yahoo Finance, emphasized the dangers of DeepSeek’s embedded tracking technologies. “If you’re logging into [DeepSeek], you will get digitally fingerprinted. Everything you provide—plus your digital fingerprint and identity—can be tracked and tied to the queries you submit,” Tsarynny stated.
DeepSeek AI’s Hidden Risks
According to Feroot’s findings, DeepSeek’s website and chatbot incorporate multiple tracking mechanisms, including:
- Digital Fingerprinting – Assigning users a unique identifier that allows DeepSeek to track them across the internet.
- Data Collection – Gathering login credentials, chat inputs, and uploaded files.
- Pixel Tracking – Monitoring real-time user activity and associating it with individual identities.
Most concerning, Feroot Security found evidence that DeepSeek transmits user data to Chinese servers. While no direct link to China Mobile servers has been confirmed, information has been observed flowing to other China-based platforms, including those utilizing Baidu trackers and pixels.
National Security at Stake
Given these risks, U.S. lawmakers are proposing a ban on DeepSeek for government-issued devices. “This isn’t just about personal privacy; it’s a national security concern,” Tsarynny explained. Sensitive government-related information could be exposed through the app’s tracking infrastructure, making it a potential cybersecurity threat.As governments worldwide tighten restrictions on foreign-owned apps over security concerns, Feroot Security continues to provide in-depth cybersecurity analysis and digital risk protection to safeguard enterprises and government institutions.
