China starts integrating DeepSeek AI into University curriculum amid global privacy concerns
Universities across China have launched artificial intelligence (AI) courses this month based on DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup that has taken the tech world by storm. Dubbed China's "Sputnik moment" in AI development, DeepSeek has drawn both acclaim and scrutiny as its rapid adoption contrasts with growing global privacy and security concerns.
Shenzhen University in Guangdong province announced this week that its new AI course based on DeepSeek will cover key technologies while also addressing critical topics like security, privacy, and ethics. The university emphasized that the course will "explore how to find a balance between technological innovation and ethical norms."
Similarly, Zhejiang University in eastern China began offering specialized DeepSeek courses in February. Shanghai Jiao Tong University has also deployed DeepSeek to enhance AI learning tools for its courses, as confirmed on its official WeChat account.
Meanwhile, Renmin University of China has integrated DeepSeek into multiple academic and administrative areas, describing it as an "injection of new power" into teaching, research, and campus operations.
This widespread adoption aligns with China's recent national action plan to build a "strong education nation" by 2035. The government aims to establish a high-quality education system, positioning China as a global leader in technological advancement.
DeepSeek's meteoric rise and privacy controversies
DeepSeek has seen an explosion in popularity, fueled by reports—later debunked—that its latest AI model, DeepSeek V3, was developed at a fraction of the cost of its Western counterparts like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.
However, as DeepSeek gains traction, it’s also facing increasing scrutiny from regulators worldwide. Privacy watchdogs in Ireland, France, the Netherlands, and South Korea have launched investigations into the company’s data collection practices, with Italy banning the app outright over GDPR compliance issues.
US national security probes and cybersecurity woes
The US government is also investigating DeepSeek for potential violations of AI chip export restrictions. American authorities are reportedly tracking whether the company has accessed restricted US-made AI chips, possibly through intermediaries in Malaysia, Singapore, and the UAE.
If confirmed, this could escalate tensions between the U.S. and China over AI technology control.
Additionally, Privacy firm Feroot Security recently raised alarms after discovering direct links between DeepSeek’s servers and Chinese government-controlled infrastructure. According to Feroot CEO Ivan Tsarynny, these connections indicate that user data—including identifying information and online activity—could be subject to Chinese government oversight.
Balancing innovation with ethical concerns
Despite these concerns, China remains committed to advancing AI education and innovation. The government has actively encouraged tech leaders, including DeepSeek’s founder Liang Wenfeng and Alibaba’s Jack Ma, to "show their talent" and contribute to the country’s technological self-sufficiency.
Analysts suggest this signals China’s determination to close the AI gap with the U.S., even as the international community raises alarms about the risks involved.
As China pushes forward with AI adoption in universities, the global debate over privacy, security, and ethical AI development is likely to intensify. Will DeepSeek’s success outweigh the concerns surrounding its operations, or will international scrutiny slow its momentum? For now, China appears to be betting on the AI startup as a cornerstone of its future.
