On January 27, 2025, DeepSeek-R1 surpassed ChatGPT as the most downloaded free app on the iOS App Store in the U.S. While experts debate the economic ramifications and question whether the Chinese team realistically developed such a tool within the stated budget, Tarand’s team briefly analyzed the threats and challenges to national security emanating from DeepSeek. In terms of geopolitics, this is another round of AI competition between the U.S. and China. However, the risks to national security cannot be ignored. The rapid advancement of AI-driven deepfake technologies, large-scale data aggregation, and automated information warfare tools presents significant opportunities for malicious actors such as China, North Korea, Russia, Iran, and terrorist groups.
In this regard, DeepSeek is vital for China. It is no secret that in the last 10 years, China has significantly improved its information warfare and cyber warfare capabilities, often copying the methods and tactics employed by Russia, and recently, Beijing has begun to introduce more of its own innovations.
On a global scale, DeepSeek could function as a strategic asset for disinformation campaigns, manipulation, cyber espionage, mass surveillance, stealing trade secrets, and intellectual property theft.
It is critical to recognize that DeepSeek may serve as an intelligence-gathering vector for Chinese state actors, allowing them to infiltrate millions of devices worldwide, including those used by U.S. citizens both domestically and abroad (and there is no guarantee that devices containing sensitive information will not be affected).
In addition to exploiting DeepSeek as a back door, Chinese authorities can gain access to a vast array of data that users voluntarily provide every second. This includes extensive amounts of data provided by U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The collection of information may enable a more accurate behavioral analysis of Americans, which can be utilized for marketing purposes by Chinese companies as well as for larger-scale PSYPs.
The new risks and challenges emanating from DeepSeek require a more extensive and in-depth analysis. Beyond analytical assessments, targeted awareness campaigns and action plans should prioritize high-risk groups, including military personnel, government officials, scientists, and diplomats. The weaponization of AI is no longer a theoretical concern – it is an emerging reality with immediate national security implications.
