Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup DeepSeek has urged caution, stating that misinformation and fake accounts related to its company are causing misunderstandings and confusion.
On the 7th, according to Chinese media outlets such as the Economic Daily and Fengpai, DeepSeek expressed this position in a statement titled "DeepSeek's official information announcement and explanation about service channels," which was posted on its WeChat account the previous evening. Chinese media reported that this is the first official stance by DeepSeek, denying rumors about the company since it developed low-cost, high-efficiency AI models that created a global sensation despite U.S. sanctions.
In the statement, DeepSeek noted, "Recently, some fake accounts related to DeepSeek and unfounded information are misleading the public and causing confusion," and added, "To protect user rights and reduce the negative impact of false information, we explain the following regarding issues with official accounts." DeepSeek clarified that it only holds official accounts on WeChat, Xiaohongshu, and X (formerly Twitter).
DeepSeek emphasized, "Any accounts other than these, posting company-related information under the name of DeepSeek or responsible personnel, are all fake accounts," stating, "All information related to DeepSeek should be based on what is posted on official accounts, and any information that appears on unofficial or personal accounts does not represent DeepSeek's views, so please identify carefully."
DeepSeek added, "To receive DeepSeek AI model services, you must download the app through official channels such as our website," and noted, "Any fee-charging activities related to DeepSeek's official group other than the official user group on WeChat are false, so please carefully discern to avoid financial losses."
DeepSeek's statement comes amid movements by major countries around the world to restrict access to DeepSeek, mainly among government agencies due to concerns over information leakage. Starting around the 5th, government departments and agencies such as the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Unification, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power have limited access to DeepSeek from computers capable of external connections. In addition to South Korea, Australia, Japan, and Taiwan have also banned the use of DeepSeek on government-owned devices, while Italy has completely blocked DeepSeek from app markets.
The United States has also banned the use of DeepSeek among certain federal agencies, including the Navy and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and a bill that would prevent government agencies from using DeepSeek is expected to be introduced soon in Congress. Additionally, countries belonging to the United Kingdom and the European Union (EU) are closely monitoring the risks posed by DeepSeek, with various corporations and financial institutions also moving to block DeepSeek.