The Risks of Using Chinese DeepSeek AI in Indian Government Offices: A Data Security Perspective

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence is transforming governance, enhancing efficiency, and automating decision-making. However, when deploying AI solutions, especially from foreign entities, national security and data privacy must be top priorities. The recent rise of Chinese AI models, such as #DeepSeek, raises significant concerns if deployed within Indian government offices.

 

Understanding DeepSeek AI

#DeepSeek AI, developed by Chinese firms, is an advanced generative AI model comparable to OpenAI's ChatGPT or Google Gemini. While it offers powerful language processing, the core issue is data sovereignty—who owns, accesses, and controls the data that flows through these systems.

Key Data Leak Concerns

1. Data Storage and Transmission Risks

Many AI models rely on cloud-based processing, meaning data entered into #DeepSeek AI might be stored on servers outside India. If hosted in China, it could fall under Chinese Cybersecurity Laws, which mandate that all data stored on Chinese servers be accessible to their government. This creates a high risk of unauthorized access to sensitive Indian government data.

2. AI Model Training and Retention of Sensitive Information

DeepSeek AI, like other generative AI models, continuously improves by learning from user inputs. If government officials unknowingly enter classified information, the model could retain and use this data in future responses. This creates a leakage pathway for confidential communications, defense strategies, and policy decisions.

3. Potential for AI-Based Espionage

China has been accused of using AI-driven data collection to support cyber espionage. If DeepSeek AI is embedded into Indian government operations, it could potentially be leveraged to:

 

Monitor government discussions

Analyze sensitive trends in policymaking

Extract metadata about officials, agencies, and strategies

Such risks make it untenable for a foreign AI system, especially from a geopolitical rival, to be integrated into government workflows.

Real-World Example: How a Data Leak Could Happen

Scenario: A Government Employee Uses DeepSeek AI to Draft a Report

Imagine an officer in the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is tasked with preparing a classified report on India's border security strategies in Arunachal Pradesh. To speed up the process, they enter sensitive details into DeepSeek AI, asking it to refine and format the document.

What Happens Next?

1. Data Sent to Foreign Servers:

DeepSeek AI processes the request on its servers, which may be located in China or other foreign jurisdictions. The model may store or analyze this sensitive input for further training.

2. Hidden Data Trails in PDF Files:

The AI-generated report is downloaded as a PDF and shared internally within the ministry. However, AI-generated PDFs often contain metadata, such as input prompts, IP addresses, timestamps, and even hidden AI-generated summaries of user interactions. If a cyberattack targets the ministry, these documents could reveal what was asked from the AI, including confidential border troop movements, defense procurement plans, and diplomatic strategies.

3. Potential Cyber Espionage via AI Logs:

If DeepSeek retains logs of AI interactions, Chinese intelligence agencies could access fragments of sensitive information that were input by multiple Indian government users. Over time, even seemingly harmless prompts could help adversaries piece together critical insights about India's defense and economic policies.

Another Example: Finance Ministry & Budget Leaks

A Finance Ministry officer drafts an early version of India's Union Budget using DeepSeek AI to refine tax policy announcements.  The AI processes tax adjustments, subsidies, and proposed infrastructure allocations. If this data is retained or intercepted, it could provide foreign entities an unfair advantage in financial markets, potentially leading to stock market manipulation before the budget is officially announced.

4. Compliance with Indian Data Protection Laws

India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP), 2023, mandates strict controls over cross-border data transfers. If DeepSeek AI processes government data outside India, it could violate these regulations, leading to legal repercussions and national security concerns.

Government Action Needed

1. Ban on Foreign AI in Sensitive Departments

India should restrict foreign AI tools from being used in government offices, especially in defense, law enforcement, and strategic sectors.

2. Development of Indigenous AI

Instead of relying on Chinese AI, India should focus on strengthening its own AI ecosystem through initiatives like Bhashini, IndiaAI, and partnerships with Indian tech firms.

3. Security Audits and Whitelisting of AI Tools

The government must enforce strict AI security audits and only approve AI models that meet data sovereignty and privacy standards.

Conclusion

While AI can revolutionize governance, national security should never be compromised. Allowing Chinese DeepSeek AI into Indian government offices could create serious data leak vulnerabilities. India must take a proactive stance by investing in indigenous AI solutions and enforcing stringent data security measures to safeguard its digital future.