OpenAI, a leading U.S. artificial intelligence company, has expressed concerns about the Chinese AI model DeepSeek, calling it a potential security risk. In a letter submitted to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy on March 13, OpenAI’s Vice President of Global Affairs, Chris Lehane, highlighted the rapid progress of DeepSeek and urged the U.S. government to consider action.
Lehane acknowledged that while the United States currently leads in AI development, the advancements of DeepSeek suggest that this advantage may be diminishing. He emphasized that DeepSeek’s deployment in critical infrastructure and high-risk applications could pose security threats, especially if subject to manipulation.
“The use of DeepSeek in essential systems could lead to vulnerabilities,” Lehane wrote. He also raised concerns about possible intellectual property issues and the privacy and security risks that users might face.
The letter was part of OpenAI’s response to the U.S. government’s request for input on its “AI Action Plan.” OpenAI proposed a tiered framework to regulate access to advanced AI models and technologies, recommending limitations for certain countries, including China.
“We believe that a thoughtful approach is necessary to ensure that AI technologies are developed and used responsibly,” Lehane stated. “Collaboration and clear policies will be essential to address these global challenges.”
The discussion comes at a time when AI development is accelerating worldwide, with various nations investing heavily in research and implementation. The concerns raised by OpenAI reflect a broader conversation about the ethical and secure advancement of AI technologies on the global stage.
