European Union Privacy Supervisor: DeepSek Potentially Faces Further Regulatory Actions

DeepSek developed an AI model that was able to achieve similar results with much less computational power consumption (photo: x @destinymomentus)

JAKARTA DeepSee may face more action from national regulators in the future. This was said by the European Union's privacy watchdog on Tuesday, February 11, highlighting bloc concerns about the increasing popularity of the affordable Chinese artificial intelligence startup.

The national privacy regulator discussed DeepSeek in a monthly meeting on Tuesday, after Italy blocked the chatbot due to a lack of information regarding the use of personal data. Meanwhile, authorities in France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and other countries have questioned DeepSek's data collection practices.

"Several data protection authorities (DPA) have started actions against DeepSek, and there may be further action in the future," said a European Data Protection Board (EDPB) spokesperson.

This concern prompted EDPB to expand the scope of the task force formed in April 2023 to increase cooperation and exchange of information related to law enforcement in the artificial intelligence sector. Initially, this task force focused solely on OpenAI's ChatGPT, which was supported by Microsoft.

"In addition, EDPB members emphasize the need to coordinate the DPA's actions in dealing with urgent sensitive issues and, for that purpose, will form a quick response team," the spokesman added.

The European Union has been at the forefront of protecting citizens' privacy rights, with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) taking effect in 2018 and known as the world's strictest privacy law.

Meanwhile, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai praised DeepSek's work in developing artificial intelligence and highlighted that AI has become a global phenomenon. Pichai stated that Alphabet has ambitions to become a leader in the AI sector, but admits that other companies will also compete in the sector.

On the other hand, the Minister of Energy of the United Arab Emirates, Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, said on Wednesday, February 12, that he did not see the AI application from China, DeepSee, impacting nuclear energy demand.

DeepSek has developed an AI model that is able to achieve similar results to the much less consumption of computing power, resulting in significant energy savings.