A proposed bill aims to severely restrict Chinese AI, particularly the DeepSeek model, with penalties including up to 20 years in prison and fines of $1 million for users. Governments globally are reacting to DeepSeek’s rapid rise and security vulnerabilities, with some countries already imposing bans. Senator Josh Hawley emphasizes the threat of Chinese AI to U.S. interests, and the legislation could stifle collaboration in AI research, raising alarms about its potential impact on the tech industry.
New Bill Targets Chinese AI with Severe Penalties
A proposed legislation seeks to decisively halt the operations of Chinese artificial intelligence, particularly targeting the DeepSeek model. If enacted, this bill would impose stringent penalties for simply utilizing the DeepSeek application, among others.
DeepSeek’s Rapid Rise and Associated Concerns
The alarming ascent of the DeepSeek AI model has sparked fear among many nations, prompting some to consider drastic measures. Initially, the advent of artificial intelligence appeared to be a positive development. However, with the upcoming launch of its third version in December 2024, DeepSeek has already garnered significant attention due to its superior performance compared to its rivals and its remarkably low cost.
This affordability is particularly advantageous for businesses that depend on advanced features, while individual users downloading the free mobile version remain unaffected. However, concerns regarding data security have quickly emerged as DeepSeek has exposed critical vulnerabilities, potentially compromising the information of hundreds of thousands of users. This revelation has triggered a swift response from governments worldwide.
In fact, utilizing the DeepSeek AI application could carry a staggering penalty of 20 years in prison.
Several nations have begun to impose outright bans on DeepSeek. For instance, Italy has restricted its use for the entire population, while Taiwan has targeted government agencies specifically. While France is still investigating the matter, Texas has already taken action by banning DeepSeek on state-issued devices. Yet, these measures may not suffice. A bill proposed by Republican Senator Josh Hawley aims to escalate the situation further.
Senator Hawley’s stance is explicit: “Every dollar and every gigabyte of data that goes into Chinese AI are dollars and data that will ultimately be used against the United States.” The legislation outlines harsh consequences:
The implications are vast and extend beyond mere usage bans. According to the bill, individuals who download the DeepSeek app could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a hefty fine of $1 million. This chilling prospect raises significant concerns about the potential impact of the legislation.
Should this American law against Chinese AI come into effect, it would undoubtedly reshape the landscape of the technology sector.
However, there is a slim chance that the law would be enforced as suggested. It could have devastating consequences for AI research. Kevin Banksto from the Center for Democracy and Technology warns that “the sanctions provided for […] for the importation or exportation from China of AI technologies […] could […] extend to anyone publishing AI models or research papers on the Internet, knowing that they will be downloaded by people in China.”
Additionally, the legislation would restrict “American collaboration with researchers from practically any Chinese university or company,” inevitably stalling progress in the field. As it stands, the bill’s current form suggests it should face rejection. Nevertheless, it is essential to recognize that both U.S. political parties often find common ground when it comes to safeguarding against China. Just a few years ago, the idea that a popular app like TikTok would face a ban seemed unimaginable, yet it happened.