US Navy email warns against using AI apps like China's DeepSeek
Jan 29, 2025 - businessinsider.com
An internal US Navy email warned service members against using DeepSeek AI, a Chinese app that has recently surpassed ChatGPT in Apple app downloads, due to security and ethical concerns. The memo, which aligns with the 2023 Department of the Navy guidance, reminded personnel of the risks associated with using open-source AI tools for official work, emphasizing the potential for data compromise. Although the email was intended for a small group, it was circulated more broadly due to what officials described as "the forwarding effect."
The Navy spokesperson clarified that the memo was not a new ban but a reminder of existing policies against using publicly accessible AI programs for official purposes. DeepSeek was highlighted as a recent example of the guidance's application. The app has gained attention as a low-cost alternative to American AI tools, briefly impacting US markets. The Navy's caution reflects broader concerns about the security implications of using foreign-developed AI technologies.
Key takeaways:
An internal US Navy email warned members not to use DeepSeek AI due to security and ethical concerns.
The memo was a reminder of the existing Navy policy against using open-source AI for official work.
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI app, has surpassed ChatGPT in Apple app downloads.
The Navy memo was intended for a small audience but was circulated more broadly due to "the forwarding effect."
