Image Credentials: Image Title: Czech Cybersecurity Agency Issues Warning Over DeepSeek’s Threat to National Security Source: (sora.chatgpt) Date: June 2025 Attribution: Created by AI-generated imagery (sora.chatgpt), it does not depict a real-world scene.
By Staff Writer | Open Chronicle with Agencies
In a significant move this week, Czechia’s National Cyber and Information Security Agency (NÚKIB) issued a formal warning about the national security risks posed by the use of software provided by the Chinese artificial intelligence company, DeepSeek. The warning has led the Czech government to implement a ban on the company’s products from being used on official government devices.
DeepSeek, which rose to prominence earlier this year, made headlines in January after launching a surprisingly efficient large language model (LLM). The model, which garnered attention for its performance, appeared to rival the success of LLMs developed by American tech giants, yet at a fraction of the cost. Since its debut, however, DeepSeek has faced a series of setbacks, including bans and removals from app stores in multiple countries due to privacy and security concerns.
Now, Czechia has joined the growing list of nations taking action against the company, with the Czech government citing national security risks related to DeepSeek’s software. NÚKIB’s warning specifically highlights the likelihood that Beijing could exploit China’s domestic laws to access sensitive data collected by the company’s products, potentially using it for intelligence purposes.
Concerns About Data Collection and Access
In its analysis, NÚKIB emphasized the risks associated with the data handling practices of DeepSeek’s mobile app. The agency concluded that the app “almost certainly collects all the content that the user provides to both the chatbot and the associated services” and stores this data in a manner that could make it accessible to Chinese government authorities. This raises significant concerns regarding user privacy, particularly in government settings.
The warning also referred to DeepSeek’s founder, Liang Wenfeng, highlighting his potential involvement in research related to dual-use technologies, technologies with both civilian and military applications. It was noted that Wenfeng studied under a professor with patents related to the operation of autonomous vehicles in military environments with unpredictable terrain.
The Czech cybersecurity agency also pointed out that the Chinese government’s extensive laws, such as the National Security Law (2015), Counter-Espionage Law (2014), and National Intelligence Law (2017), provide the Chinese Communist Party with significant powers to compel companies like DeepSeek to share data. These laws give the Chinese government legal grounds to access sensitive information, even if a company is unwilling to cooperate.
A Growing Concern Among Global Allies
This warning comes at a time when multiple countries have raised alarms about the security implications of using DeepSeek’s products. Earlier this year, a coalition of 10 nations—including the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, South Korea, India, and Italy joined forces to issue similar warnings about the potential risks of the software. NÚKIB’s investigation revealed that DeepSeek not only stores user data on servers in China but also on servers located in the Russian Federation, further complicating the security concerns.
In the United States, lawmakers have called for a ban on the government’s use of DeepSeek products, citing the company’s ties to the Chinese government and the potential risks associated with the collection of data by a company with such close connections to Beijing.
The Czech Republic’s Vulnerability
NÚKIB’s warning also emphasized the Czech Republic’s historical vulnerability to cyberattacks from Chinese state actors. Earlier this year, the agency accused the Chinese government of attempting to hack into the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Given the previous espionage activities and ongoing concerns about Chinese influence in European Union (EU) member states and NATO allies, NÚKIB warned that the likelihood of DeepSeek’s software being used for intelligence purposes was high.
The Future of DeepSeek’s Operations
Despite these concerns, DeepSeek has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the warning issued by the Czech cybersecurity agency. As the company faces scrutiny from multiple governments, it remains to be seen whether other nations will follow Czechia’s lead in restricting DeepSeek’s software.
With the increasing prevalence of data breaches, cyber threats, and geopolitical tensions, the case of DeepSeek underscores the delicate balance between technological innovation and national security. As cybersecurity agencies continue to grapple with the growing threats posed by foreign entities, governments worldwide will have to navigate the challenges of protecting their citizens and safeguarding sensitive information in an increasingly connected and digitized world.
As for Czechia, its decision to ban DeepSeek’s products marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to ensure that national security remains protected in the face of rapidly advancing technology.
Staff Writers at Open Chronicle produce in-depth, field-informed reporting on defense, diplomacy, cultural transformation, and global affairs. Known for clarity, accuracy, and analytical depth, they connect breaking developments to broader historical and strategic contexts. In addition to frontline journalism, Staff Writers also contribute to the Open Chronicle Encyclopedia, crafting authoritative entries that preserve critical knowledge and enrich public understanding.