DeepSeek AI is shaking up the AI industry, overtaking established giants like ChatGPT on app store charts and raising important discussions about user privacy and data safety. This groundbreaking model, developed by the Chinese startup DeepSeek AI, has gained rapid popularity since its release, proving to be both accessible and powerful for users.
One significant concern surrounding DeepSeek is related to user privacy. According to its privacy policy, DeepSeek collects more than just user inputs. It retains keystroke data, tracks users' IP addresses, and even monitors interaction behavior across various platforms. "When you use our Services, we may collect your text or audio input, prompt, uploaded files, feedback, chat history, or other content you provide to our model and Services," the policy notes. This level of tracking has raised substantial concerns among users who prioritize their privacy.
Liang Wenfeng, CEO of DeepSeek AI, founded the company with the intent of creating accessible AI tools. His ambition reflects the growing trend of competitive AI models entering the market, which has opened up choices for consumers who were previously dependent on established models. "Five years ago, I walked away from Wall Street to chase my dream," Wenfeng said, leading to the creation of DeepSeek AI.
DeepSeek offers two main ways for users to engage with its R1 model locally. Users with sufficient hardware can run DeepSeek R1 privately without the looming concerns of data collection by the platform itself. First, you can utilize LM Studio. To do this, you must download and install LM Studio version 0.3.8 or later. After installing, find the 'DeepSeek R1 Distill (Qwen 7B)' model and download it. Users need to have 5GB of storage and 8GB of RAM to successfully run this model.
Alternatively, users can opt for Ollama as another efficient means to run DeepSeek R1. This option is particularly appealing for those running lower-end machines, as Ollama allows for the operation of the smaller 1.5B model with only 1.1GB of memory. For those with more powerful systems, options up to the 70B model are available. Commands such as "ollama run deepseek-r1:1.5b" can kickstart the service through the Terminal, providing users the ability to chat with the AI locally.
Despite the advantages of using DeepSeek, privacy concerns still loom large. Lauren Hendry Parsons, Privacy Advocate at ExpressVPN, emphasizes this point, highlighting the risks associated with the data collection practices. "DeepSeek’s privacy policy states it collects keystroke data, IP addresses, and even tracks actions outside the app. That alone should be enough to make people think twice about how much they’re willing to share," she explains.
When it first launched, DeepSeek rapidly ascended to the top of the Apple App Store, capturing the attention of tech enthusiasts due to its innovative approach to AI. Unlike many competitors, DeepSeek R1 provides free access to powerful AI capabilities. Users can also interact with DeepSeek through its app available on Google Play or the Apple App Store, allowing for convenient access on mobile devices.
For users desiring enhanced privacy, running the software locally can mitigate some concerns associated with privacy policies. Yet, it is important for users to remain vigilant and understand their interactions with AI platforms. Engaging with caution helps limit exposure to potential risks. "Think before you type" is sound advice for those wary of the extent to which interactions are monitored and stored. Avoid sharing personal or sensitive information when using AI.
Importantly, awareness around the safety and reliability of DeepSeek remains pertinent. Experts have noted concerns from cybersecurity perspectives, especially after reports indicate the platform faced DDoS attacks, which raised alarm about its security measures. These hacking attempts to compromise the service prove just how imperative it is for users to remain cautious when engaging with products operating on expansive datasets.
Key figures within the tech community, including Sam Altman, have acknowledged the emergence of DeepSeek as both invigorative and worrying due to its disruptive nature. The AI tools accessible today can provide rapid advancements across numerous fields, but they also give rise to substantial data privacy concerns. The sophistication of models like DeepSeek posits future challenges associated with information security and user privacy.
To summarize, DeepSeek provides promising advancements for users exploring AI capabilities outside traditional platforms like ChatGPT but does so with pertinent privacy concerns. Users can successfully engage with the R1 model locally, taking responsibility for their data and actively mitigating potential risks. Understanding the capabilities and risks associated with using DeepSeek can shape individual interactions with AI tools moving forward. By following recommended practices and being aware of the data collected, users can enjoy the advantages of advanced AI technologies without compromising their safety and privacy.