DeepSeek has been making tidal waves over the past few days. And for good reason. It’s free, open-source, and equipped with its new R1 model, which is jaw-droppingly impressive. It’s like ChatGPT, but it’s aiming for their crown (o1).
However, with the great AI power of DeepSeek comes great data privacy questions and ultimately, concerns. People are excited, terrified, and cautiously optimistic all at once. So, is DeepSeek a tool worth embracing, or should you steer clear? Let’s peek behind the red curtain and see who’s watching you.
DeepSeek’s Data Privacy Policy: It’s Not Good.
If you’re using DeepSeek locally on your own device or through a privacy-conscious third-party AI service like Venice.AI (you can get 20% off with promo code “RUN20”), you’re good. All your data stays with you.
But if you’re using the DeepSeek app or website? Well… let’s just say the privacy policy might make you break out in a nervous sweat.
Here’s a direct quote from DeepSeek’s privacy policy page:
“The personal information we collect from you may be stored on a server located outside of the country where you live. We store the information we collect in secure servers located in the People’s Republic of China.”
Translation: Your data might end up in the hands of the Chinese government. If you’re comfortable with that, then you have nothing to worry about. If not, you’re not alone. You’ll need to find a way to use it without the CCP spying on you.
What exactly does DeepSeek collect? Brace yourself:
• Your IP address
• Prompts, text, or audio input
• Uploaded files
• Feedback
• Chat history
• Pretty much any content you provide
And it doesn’t stop there. Another gem from their privacy policy:
“Advertisers, measurement, and other partners share information with us about you and the actions you have taken outside of the Service, such as your activities on other websites and apps or in stores, including the products or services you purchased, online or in person.”
So, in short: DeepSeek and its partners might know what you bought (online AND offline), where you bought it, and even what aisle you browsed in.
The Different Ways to Use DeepSeek (and What That Means for Your Privacy)
Here’s the good news: you have options. How you use DeepSeek significantly impacts your data privacy.
1. On the DeepSeek App or Website
Both the official app and chat.deepseek.com rely on DeepSeek’s privacy policy. If privacy isn’t a big deal for you and you’re just asking for, say, cookie recipes or fashion tips, go for it. But for anything even remotely personal, controversial, or prone to censorship? Hard pass for me and anyone else who cares about privacy.
2. Via an App Like Venice.AI or Perplexity
Venice.AI is a privacy-friendly and uncensored ChatGPT alternative that doesn’t store your conversations. It’s ideal for anyone who wants most of the functionality of DeepSeek or ChatGPT without the creepy data collection. Venice also provides a ton of other cool features, such as uncensored characters, uncensored image creation, and more. Bonus: you can even use Venice while logged out for an added layer of anonymity. Also, as we mentioned, you can get 20% off with promo code RUN20.
Perplexity also recently announced that they will support DeepSeek usage free of all Chinese data collection. However, that also requires a paid account.
3. Locally on Your Device
This is the safest option. Running DeepSeek locally means all your data stays on your machine. No servers, no data collection, no Big Brother bullshit. It’s perfect for privacy advocates (and those who simply prefer not to share their life stories with a server in China).
Should You Use DeepSeek?
If you’re considering the DeepSeek app or website, here’s my advice: stick to non-sensitive prompts. Need help brainstorming Halloween costumes? Perfect. Want advice on how to navigate a personal dilemma? No. Just no.
Even as a privacy advocate, I’ll admit that not all data collection is inherently bad. But when it involves servers in the People’s Republic of China? I’m out. Not because I’m doing anything wrong—I just value my privacy too much to risk it.
Wrapping It Up
DeepSeek is a powerful AI tool with incredible potential, but its data privacy policy is a deal breaker if you’re not running it locally or using a service like Venice.AI. The good news? You do have options to use DeepSeek safely. No need to be so concerned. We’re here to cradle you.
The bottom line: If privacy matters to you, keep your data close. And if you’re feeling bold enough to try DeepSeek anyway, at least now you know what you’re getting into.
So, what do you think? Are the risks worth the reward, or is this an AI tool to avoid? Let me know your thoughts.
Until next time, remember to run the prompts and prompt the planet.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. You are solely responsible for your use of Venice AI or any other service and must comply with all applicable laws. The author does not condone or promote illicit activities and is not responsible for any consequences or damages arising from your use of these services. By using Venice AI, you assume all risks and liabilities associated with such use. The author is not employed by Venice AI but may receive a referral commission if you sign up or make a purchase using their unique referral link. The author’s opinions are unbiased and not influenced by this arrangement.
