A new AI chatbot called DeepSeek is making waves. Developed by a Chinese startup, it's a free alternative to popular services like ChatGPT. DeepSeek can help you with research, write different kinds of creative content, and even assist with coding. This has made it incredibly popular very quickly.One of DeepSeek's biggest draws is its efficiency. It uses less computing power than its competitors, like ChatGPT. This makes it cheaper to run and potentially faster. According to NBC News, this efficiency has even shaken up the U.S. tech market [4].However, there are concerns about DeepSeek's data privacy practices. ZDNet reports that DeepSeek sends user data, including personal information and search history, to Chinese government-operated companies [3]. This has raised red flags for many, especially given the U.S. ban on China Mobile, the telecom company allegedly receiving the data, due to national security concerns. This is a serious consideration for anyone thinking of using DeepSeek.So, how does DeepSeek compare to ChatGPT? Both offer similar features, including content creation and coding assistance. However, ChatGPT can remember past conversations, while DeepSeek only remembers the current chat. This might be a deal-breaker for some users. Also, DeepSeek avoids politically sensitive topics, according to ZDNet [3]. This censorship could limit its usefulness for some users.Despite these concerns, DeepSeek offers a compelling free alternative in the AI chatbot space. Its open-source nature, reported by TechCrunch [1], allows developers to customize it. This flexibility makes it attractive for businesses with specific needs. DeepSeek is also available on both iOS and Android, making it accessible to a wide audience.One common question is whether DeepSeek is safe to use. While the service itself is functional, the data privacy concerns are real. Users should carefully weigh the benefits against the potential risks before using DeepSeek. Another question is whether DeepSeek will replace ChatGPT. While it offers a free alternative, the privacy concerns and censorship could limit its widespread adoption, especially in certain markets.In conclusion, DeepSeek is a powerful and free AI chatbot with a lot to offer. However, the data privacy issues and censorship are important factors to consider. As AI technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how DeepSeek addresses these concerns and competes with established players like ChatGPT. The New York Times notes DeepSeek's parent company, High-Flyer, aims to compete directly with companies like OpenAI [2]. This competition could lead to even more innovation in the AI chatbot space, ultimately benefiting users with more choices and better technology.
