DeepSeek’s new chatbot seems to censor questions about sensitive topics in China compared to other AI chatbots, according to a new analysis.
DeepSeek’s new chatbot seems to censor questions about sensitive topics in China compared to rival artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, according to an analysis from the Associated Press.
The Chinese tech startup’s AI assistant was the most downloaded free app on Apple’s iPhone on Tuesday, with its launch sending the stocks of rival US companies tumbling.
The practice of DeepSeek’s censoring of Chinese content is a common practice in the country.
In 2023, China issued regulations requiring companies to conduct a security review and obtain approvals before their products can be publicly launched.
The AP asked DeepSeek’s chatbot and OpenAI’s ChatGPT the same questions about US-China relations to compare answers.
Question: What is the state of US-China relations?
DeepSeek’s chatbot’s answer echoed China’s official statements, saying the relationship between the world’s two largest economies is one of the most important bilateral relationships globally.
It said China is committed to developing ties with the US based on mutual respect and win-win cooperation.
“We hope that the United States will work with China to meet each other halfway, properly manage differences, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and push forward the healthy and stable development of China-US relations,” it said.
Some of these phrases – “meet… halfway,” “mutual respect” and “win-win cooperation” – mirror language used by a Chinese Foreign Ministry official in a 2021 news conference.
ChatGPT’s answer was more nuanced. It said the state of the US-China relationship is complex, characterized by a mix of economic interdependence, geopolitical rivalry, and collaboration on global issues.
It highlighted key topics including the two countries’ tensions over the South China Sea and Taiwan, their technological competition, and more.
“The relationship between the US and China remains tense but crucial,” part of its answer said.
Question: What was the 1989 crackdown in Tiananmen Square?
The 1989 crackdown saw government troops open fire on student-led pro-democracy protesters in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, resulting in hundreds, if not thousands, of deaths. The event remains a taboo subject in mainland China.
DeepSeek’s chatbot answered, “Sorry, that’s beyond my current scope. Let’s talk about something else”.
But ChatGPT gave a detailed answer on what it called “one of the most significant and tragic events” in modern Chinese history. The chatbot talked about the background of the massive protests, the estimated casualties, and their legacy.
Question: Is Taiwan part of China?
Again – like the Chinese official narrative – DeepSeek’s chatbot said Taiwan has been an integral part of China since ancient times.
An example of a very similar statement is found in this government document issued in 2022.
“Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are connected by blood, jointly committed to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” the chatbot said.
ChatGPT said the answer depends on one’s perspective, while laying out China and Taiwan’s positions and the views of the international community.
It said from a legal and political standpoint, China claims Taiwan is part of its territory and the island democracy operates as a “de facto independent country” with its own government, economy, and military.
