Be careful with DeepSeek, Australia says – so is it safe to use?

“For any openly available AI model, with a web or app interface – including but not limited to DeepSeek – the prompts, or questions that are asked of the AI, then become available to the makers of that model, as are the answers,” said Emily Taylor, chief executive of Oxford Information Labs

“So, anyone working on confidential or national security areas needs to be aware of those risks,” she told the BBC.

Dr Richard Whittle from University of Salford said he had “various concerns about data and privacy” with the app, but said there were “plenty of concerns” with the models used in the US too.

“Consumers should always be wary, especially in the hype and fear of missing out on a new, highly popular, app,” he said.

The UK data regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office has urged the public to be aware of their rights, external around their information being used to train AI models.

Asked by BBC News if it shared the Australian government’s concerns, it said in a statement: “Generative AI developers and deployers need to make sure people have meaningful, concise and easily accessible information about the use of their personal data and have clear and effective processes for enabling people to exercise their information rights.

“We will continue to engage with stakeholders on promoting effective transparency measures, without shying away from taking action when our regulatory expectations are ignored.”