DeepSeek App—Is This Safe To Install On Your iPhone?
Jan 28, 2025 - forbes.com
The article discusses concerns about the safety of the Chinese AI app DeepSeek, which has gained popularity on Apple's App Store. The main issue is not the app itself but the platform's handling of user data. DeepSeek's privacy policy, written in plain English, reveals that it collects extensive user data and sends it to China, where it is stored indefinitely. While the app appears secure at the surface level, the real risk lies in the potential for data leakage and misuse, similar to concerns previously raised about TikTok.
Users are advised to exercise caution when using DeepSeek. They should regularly review privacy permissions, avoid granting access to sensitive phone features like the microphone or camera, and refrain from uploading sensitive files or images. The article emphasizes the broader issue of AI data leakage risks across platforms, urging users to be mindful of the information they share and the potential consequences.
Key takeaways:
DeepSeek is a Chinese AI app that raises privacy concerns due to its data handling practices.
The app collects user data and stores it on secure servers in China, potentially indefinitely.
Users are advised to be cautious with the app's permissions, avoiding access to sensitive phone features and data.
The app exemplifies broader AI data leakage risks that are not well understood by users.