The U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld a law effectively banning TikTok due to concerns about national security and China’s potential to surveil Americans, steal their secrets, and push propaganda. Congress warned tech companies like Apple and Google that continuing to provide access to the app could result in legal consequences. Despite this, TikTok remains available in the U.S. as President Trump has not enforced the ban. Now, another app called DeepSeek, which sends user data to servers in China, is gaining popularity and raising similar national security concerns.
DeepSeek, a challenger to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, is seen as posing similar threats to U.S. security interests as TikTok, as it also sends data to servers in China. This has led to questions about whether DeepSeek will face the same fate as TikTok. Despite concerns about the app, it continues to grow in popularity and is now at the top of Apple’s downloads. This raises questions about how the U.S. government will address the national security risks posed by apps like DeepSeek.
The situation with TikTok and DeepSeek highlights the challenges faced by the U.S. government in addressing national security threats posed by foreign-owned tech platforms. While Congress has taken steps to ban TikTok due to concerns about Chinese surveillance and propaganda, the enforcement of these laws has been inconsistent. This has allowed apps like DeepSeek to continue operating despite similar national security risks.
The lack of enforcement of laws banning apps like TikTok and DeepSeek raises concerns about the potential for foreign adversaries to access vast amounts of data about Americans and shape their perceptions. The U.S. government must navigate the delicate balance between protecting national security and allowing access to popular apps and platforms. As the use of these apps continues to grow, it will be important for policymakers to address the risks they pose and take steps to mitigate them.
Overall, the situation with TikTok and DeepSeek underscores the complex challenges posed by foreign-owned tech platforms and the need for a coordinated and consistent approach to addressing national security risks. As these apps continue to gain popularity and access to user data, it will be crucial for the U.S. government to prioritize national security while also upholding principles of freedom and access to information.
