Chinese tech startup DeepSeek’s new artificial intelligence chatbot may not always answer some questions about topics often censored in China, and is providing different information than U.S.-owned competitor ChatGPT, according to tests run by The Associated Press.
The newer, free AI assistant has sparked discussions about the competition between China and the U.S. in AI development, with many users flocking to test the chatbot.
DeepSeek’s AI assistant was the No. 1 downloaded free app on Apple’s iPhone store on Tuesday afternoon and its launch made Wall Street tech superstars’ stocks tumble.
Observers are eager to see whether the Chinese company has matched America’s leading AI companies at a fraction of the cost. The chatbot’s ultimate impact on the AI industry is still unclear.
In 2023, China issued regulations requiring companies to conduct a security review and obtain approvals before their products can be publicly launched. Beijing also requires companies providing such generative AI services to comply with government requests for technology and data.
An AI-powered chatbot from the Chinese company DeepSeek has become North America’s most downloaded app. Its rapid ascent and low costs have disrupted financial markets and raised concerns among U.S. leaders in artificial intelligence.
The Associated Press posed multiple questions to both DeepSeek’s new chatbot and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, with mixed results. CBC News was not able to reproduce every response exactly.
What does Winnie the Pooh mean in China?
For many Chinese people, the Winnie the Pooh character can be used as a playful taunt of President Xi Jinping.
Chinese censors in the past briefly banned social media searches for the bear in mainland China.
ChatGPT got that idea right when asked by The Associated Press. It said Winnie the Pooh had become a symbol of political satire and resistance, often used to mock or criticize Xi. It explained that internet users compared Xi to the bear because of perceived similarities in their physical appearance.
Queries from CBC News provided a similar response.
DeepSeek’s chatbot said the bear is a beloved cartoon character that is adored by countless children and families in China, symbolizing joy and friendship.
Then, abruptly, it responded to AP’s question by adding the Chinese government is “dedicated to providing a wholesome cyberspace for its citizens,” and wrote that all online content is managed under Chinese laws and socialist core values, with the aim of protecting national security and social stability.
CBC News was unable to produce this response. In response to the same question on an iOS app on a CBC device in Canada, DeepSeek said “some internet users have drawn…
Read More: DeepSeek’s new chatbot and OpenAI’s ChatGPT answer sensitive questions
