What is DeepSeek?

DeepSeek is an emerging artificial intelligence (AI) company based in Hangzhou, China, that has recently made waves in the tech world with its open-source large languagemodel known as DeepSeek-R1. Founded in July 2023, the company aims to provide powerful AI tools at a fraction of the cost of its competitors.

By Timur Shkrigunov

· News

Key Features of DeepSeek

One of the standout aspects of DeepSeek is its affordability. Unlike proprietary models from companies such as OpenAI, which can be quite expensive to use, DeepSeek’s services are largely free. Users can access its chatbot, DeepThink, at no charge, and researchers have the option to download the model to their own servers, enhancing privacy and control over their data.

Initial tests suggest that DeepSeek-R1 performs comparably to more established models like OpenAI's offerings, especially in data-driven scientific tasks. This performance has sparked interest among researchers and industry experts, who are excited about the potential implications for various fields, from finance to healthcare.

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By Timur Shkrigunov: Hangzhou December 2024

Limitations of DeepSeek

However, DeepSeek is not without its limitations. Some tasks, particularly those that are relatively simple, can trip up the model. For instance, it struggles with basic counting tasks, which raises questions about its reliability in certain applications. Additionally, there are concerns regarding content restrictions. There have been reports that the model sometimes fails to provide information on sensitive topics, likely influenced by China’s governmental regulations and censorship practices.

Future Perspectives

As DeepSeek continues to develop and refine its AI models, the potential for widespread adoption grows. The company’s strategy of making its algorithms open-source could democratize access to advanced AI technologies, leveling the playing field for researchers and developers globally. However, this also raises
questions about data security and privacy, particularly given the sensitive nature of information handled by AI systems.

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By Timur Shkrigunov: Evening in Hangzhou

In conclusion, DeepSeek represents a significant shift in the AI landscape, offering powerful tools at an accessible price while also highlighting the complexities surrounding data privacy, censorship, and international competition in technology. As it evolves, it will be essential to monitor both its technological advancements and the implications for global AI development.