As ChatGPT’s dominance shows signs of decline, Chinese AI upstart DeepSeek is making a determined push into the global market. Recent Semrush data reveals that ChatGPT’s daily visits in the U.S. have dropped sharply from 22.1 million in October 2024 to 14.9 million by January 2025. Meanwhile, DeepSeek, though still far behind, has seen substantial growth, rising from just 2.3k visits in October to 71.2k by January 19, a significant surge in a short span.
Globally, DeepSeek’s traffic has surged past 7.12 million, and its rapid ascent to the top of download charts in 140 countries signals a notable shift in consumer preferences. However, its success has also sparked intense controversy.
DeepSeek’s Rapid Rise
At the heart of the debate is DeepSeek’s potential national security risks. Unlike OpenAI’s ChatGPT, DeepSeek operates under Chinese jurisdiction, subject to Beijing’s stringent data-sharing laws. Experts warn that the app’s vast trove of user data, ranging from personal queries to industry-specific intelligence could be exploited for strategic advantage. Cybersecurity concerns have already surfaced, with prominent firms identifying vulnerabilities and DeepSeek itself confirming a major cyberattack last week.
Dewardric McNeal, a senior analyst at Longview Global, underscores the broader implications: “This isn’t just about stolen data—it’s about mapping public sentiment, tracking industry trends, and influencing narratives.” The concern extends beyond individuals; industries and policymakers fear that DeepSeek’s open-source approach could allow China deeper insights into U.S. supply chains and technological developments.
Former Biden administration advisor Matt Pearl is even more alarmed, dismissing DeepSeek’s privacy policy as meaningless under Chinese law. He warns that the app could be leveraged for mass surveillance, tracking users across devices, and even embedding malware through updates. “One malicious update is all it takes,” Pearl cautions.
With tensions between the U.S. and China escalating, some believe a ban on DeepSeek is inevitable. “If TikTok faced scrutiny, DeepSeek is an even bigger concern,” Pearl argues. As AI competition heats up, the question remains: Will the U.S. allow a Chinese AI disruptor to dominate its market, or will regulatory action curb its rise?
You can also read our article on what makes DeepSeek different from other AI models.
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