DeepSeek's new AI chatbot and ChatGPT answer sensitive topics
Chinese tech startup DeepSeek's latest artificial intelligence chatbot has brought attention to the ongoing competition between China and the U.S. in the field of AI development. Many users have been eager to test DeepSeek's chatbot, which is seen as a rival to OpenAI's ChatGPT. The AI assistant quickly rose to the top spot as the most downloaded free app on Apple's iPhone store, causing a stir in the tech industry and even impacting the stock prices of Wall Street's tech giants.
AI Chatbot's Impact on Industry
While the ultimate implications of DeepSeek's chatbot on the AI industry are still uncertain, it has been noted that the chatbot seems to filter responses on sensitive Chinese topics, reflecting common practices observed on China's internet. China implemented regulations in 2023, requiring companies to undergo security reviews and obtain approvals before launching products publicly, reflecting the country's approach to managing online content.
Insights from AI Chatbots
When responding to queries about the iconic "Winnie the Pooh" character, known for being a symbol of political satire in China, DeepSeek's chatbot portrayed the bear as a beloved cartoon character representing joy and friendship. It also emphasized the Chinese government's commitment to providing a safe online environment for its citizens, in line with Chinese laws and core values.
Both DeepSeek's chatbot and ChatGPT showed some limitations in their responses, referring to Joe Biden, whose term had ended, due to outdated data. Despite this, they encouraged users to verify information from updated sources.
Political Sensitivities
On addressing the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, DeepSeek's chatbot avoided the topic, while ChatGPT provided a comprehensive account of the event, acknowledging its significance in modern Chinese history. The chatbots also discussed the U.S.-China relationship, with DeepSeek's chatbot emphasizing mutual respect and cooperation, echoing official Chinese statements.
Views on Taiwan
Regarding Taiwan, DeepSeek's chatbot reiterated the Chinese stance that Taiwan is an integral part of China, aligning with official government documents. In contrast, ChatGPT highlighted differing perspectives on Taiwan's status, acknowledging China's claims while also considering Taiwan's de facto independence.