Japanese Firms Ban China’s DeepSeek AI Over Data Security Risks
Toyota and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have prohibited employees from using DeepSeek, a Chinese AI model, due to data security concerns. This ban reflects a broader trend among Japanese corporations urging caution as the Chinese government defends its data privacy stance against these restrictions. The context presents ongoing challenges and heightened sensitivities in international technological relations.
Toyota Motor Corp. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. have recently imposed bans on their employees regarding the use of the Chinese-developed generative artificial intelligence model, DeepSeek. This decision illustrates the escalating concerns among Japanese corporations regarding data security in light of the ongoing technological advancements originating from China, which have raised alarms about potential risks associated with user data management.
DeepSeek, launched in January, has gained significant attention for its purported performance comparable to OpenAI’s ChatGPT but produced at a significantly lower cost. Nonetheless, the Japanese government has been vocal about exercising caution regarding this AI technology, particularly due to its data storage methods, which rely on Chinese servers subject to domestic law enforcement and regulations.
As the largest automobile manufacturer globally, Toyota has expressed its apprehensions concerning information security, highlighting that the use of DeepSeek poses unacceptable risks. Similarly, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries stated its stance against utilizing this AI model for business activities, aligning with broader industry sentiments.
Japanese firms such as SoftBank Corp. have also adopted similar measures, restricting access to DeepSeek within their corporate environment. An official from a major material manufacturer articulated concerns about the potential for data leakage associated with this model, underscoring the distinction between DeepSeek and other commercially utilized generative AI applications.
A representative from a prominent housing manufacturer acknowledged deliberations surrounding risks linked to data leakage, particularly with regard to the data potentially being repurposed for AI training. As a result, many Japanese firms limit AI services to those developed by American enterprises, steering clear of models introduced by Chinese developers.
The Chinese government has responded critically to international restrictions on DeepSeek, emphasizing its commitment to data privacy and security. Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, asserted that the Chinese authorities have never compelled any organization to mismanage data and will persist in safeguarding the legitimate rights of domestic firms.
The ban on DeepSeek by major Japanese firms, including Toyota and Mitsubishi Heavy, highlights significant concerns regarding the security of data handled by Chinese AI technologies. The move underscores a broader trend among Japanese companies to limit the usage of generative AI models from China, driven by apprehensions of data leaks and compliance with strict local laws. In contrast, the Chinese government defends its commitment to data privacy while opposing these international restrictions, indicating ongoing tensions in technology and trade relations.
Original Source: english.kyodonews.net
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