Toyota, Mitsubishi, and SoftBank Join the Global Effort to Ban DeepSeek Access Amid Data Concerns

Japanese corporations take action against potential security threats posed by AI-powered Chinese software / AFP

Major Japanese corporations, including Toyota, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and SoftBank, have taken decisive steps to block access to DeepSeek, a Chinese generative AI software, within their networks. This move follows growing concerns about the software's data collection practices and the potential risks of information leakage to the Chinese government.

As reported by Kyodo News on February 12, the decision to block DeepSeek comes amid rising worries over the software's excessive data collection, with fears that sensitive business information could be passed on to Chinese authorities. The companies involved, which are among Japan's largest and most influential, have been proactive in preventing any use of the AI tool in their internal operations.

Toyota, for instance, confirmed that it had prohibited the use of DeepSeek due to concerns about information security. The company explained that such measures were essential to protect its sensitive data from potential risks linked to AI-powered software.

Similarly, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has announced that it will not authorize the use of DeepSeek within the company. Any employees attempting to use the software for work-related purposes have reportedly been denied permission. SoftBank, another major Japanese firm, has restricted access to DeepSeek by limiting its availability on company devices. Additionally, SoftBank has banned the downloading of the DeepSeek app on business-related mobile devices and other work-related platforms.

An employee at a leading materials company, who chose to remain anonymous, explained that they found DeepSeek to be more of a threat compared to other generative AI tools, such as Microsoft's AI. This decision was based on the perceived risks of information leakage and the possibility that data could be utilized for AI training purposes, raising concerns about misuse.

These actions in Japan reflect a broader global trend, as governments and corporations around the world are taking a stance against DeepSeek. The software's controversial data collection methods have led to preemptive blocking measures in several countries. For example, South Korean government agencies have already implemented restrictions on accessing DeepSeek on computers that can connect to external networks. Businesses in the country have followed suit, with many private companies adopting similar restrictions.

In addition to Japan and South Korea, other regions have joined the effort to ban or restrict access to DeepSeek. Taiwan, Australia, and several European countries, including Italy, have introduced measures to limit the software's use. In Italy, authorities have gone so far as to block the app from being downloaded on the country's app market. The European Union, along with the UK, is closely monitoring DeepSeek's potential risks, while financial institutions and major corporations in these regions are following suit.

In the United States, lawmakers are moving to introduce legislation that would ban the use of DeepSeek on government devices. Representatives Darren LaHood (Republican-Illinois) and Josh Gottheimer (Democrat-New Jersey), both members of the U.S. House Intelligence Committee, are expected to soon propose a bill that would restrict access to the AI chatbot application within government agencies. LaHood and Gottheimer have expressed concerns about the need for access restrictions similar to those imposed on the Chinese video-sharing platform TikTok, which has faced similar data privacy issues.

As the controversy surrounding DeepSeek intensifies, companies, governments, and regulatory bodies worldwide are grappling with the complex balance between embracing innovative AI technologies and safeguarding against potential security and privacy threats. With increasing scrutiny and restrictions in place, the future of DeepSeek and similar AI software remains uncertain as more organizations continue to evaluate their risks and take action accordingly.