Are You Utilizing DeepSeek AI in 2025?
## DeepSeek AI: Understanding the Concerns at UOW
### Introduction to DeepSeek AI
DeepSeek is an AI-driven chatbot developed in China, known for its natural language processing and advanced reasoning capabilities. It is emerging as a low-cost, open-source alternative to established AI models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. However, the increasing usage of AI technologies in educational and research contexts has raised several concerns regarding privacy, security, and compliance.
### Potential Risks of Using DeepSeek
While DipeepSeek offers appealing features, there are several significant risks associated with its use, particularly at the University of Wollongong (UOW):
1. **Data Privacy Issues**
User prompts and data are sent to servers located in the People’s Republic of China. These servers have not been assessed for adherence to Australia’s Privacy Act, potentially putting sensitive information at risk.
2. **Political Bias**
DeepSeek has been noted to refrain from addressing topics that might be unfavorable to the Chinese government, which raises concerns about its impartiality and reliability.
3. **Lack of Transparency**
The implementation details and data management strategies of DeepSeek are not publicly disclosed, leading to substantial concerns regarding governance and data security. This lack of transparency extends to UOW staff and students as well.
4. **Bans from Government Use**
The Australian federal and state governments have prohibited the use of DeepSeek on all government devices due to the outlined risks, affecting its credibility.
### UOW’s Position on DeepSeek
Given these concerns, UOW has decided to block access to DeepSeek on all devices connected to its on-campus network. This decision applies to both university-managed and personal devices of students and staff. The university is committed to evaluating the benefits and potential dangers of adopting AI technologies while ensuring strict governance, policies, and risk mitigation strategies.
#### Recommendations for UOW Community
UOW emphasizes the importance of safeguarding user data and intellectual property. To help maintain security, community members are advised to follow these guidelines:
1. **Do Not Use UOW Credentials**
It’s crucial that individuals do not use their UOW email addresses or login credentials to access DeepSeek. This rule applies to all activities, even those unrelated to work.
2. **Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information**
Never enter confidential data such as intellectual property, student records, or financial information into DeepSeek or similar AI tools.
3. **Understand Privacy Risks**
Be aware that data provided to DeepSeek may be stored and utilized for training purposes, without guarantees of privacy.
4. **Follow UOW’s Data Security Policies**
Ensure that any use of AI tools aligns with UOW’s cybersecurity and privacy regulations to protect information and university assets.
5. **Explore Approved Alternatives**
If AI is necessary for academic purposes, seek AI tools that meet Australian data privacy and security standards.
### Exemption Requests for DeepSeek Use
In certain cases where there’s a justified need for DeepSeek, users may request an exemption. This process requires formal approval from UOW’s Cyber Security team and the Information Compliance Unit. Essential conditions for approval include:
– Utilizing DeepSeek in a controlled environment, such as a private server.
– Ensuring no data is shared externally.
– Being fully compliant with UOW’s cybersecurity and privacy policies.
### Questions and Guidance
For any questions or additional guidance concerning AI tool usage, UOW’s AI Team can be contacted at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).
