What is Deepseek?
The debate surrounding China’s deepshek continues throughout the US. Todd Ruoff, CEO of Autonomys and artificial intelligence expert, joined Livenow from Josh Breslow of Fox and explained Deepseek. This has become the number one free app downloaded on the Apple Store.
The US government is stepping up efforts to curb China’s influence in artificial intelligence, and the newly introduced bill is pushing the limits of AI regulations.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) last week proposed laws that would make Americans illegal to use, import or develop Chinese AI technologies, including the emerging chatbot Deepseek.
If passed, the bill will impose some of the toughest penalties ever related to technology restrictions. Individuals violating the ban could face up to 20 years in prison, but businesses could be fined up to $100 million.
This measure shows that the two countries will escalate tensions between the US and China as they compete for AI control.
Why Deepseek is being scrutinized
Backstory:
A powerful AI model developed in China, Deepseek has recently focused on its capabilities comparable to the ability to lead US chatbots while using computing resources. This efficiency has alarmed in Washington, with lawmakers worried that American businesses will struggle to compete.
Beyond economic concerns, some policymakers argue that advances in China’s AI could increase military and surveillance capabilities. The rise of Deepseek was likened to the Tiktok controversy, where lawmakers debated banning Chinese-owned apps on data privacy and national security concerns.
Related: Elon Musk debuts “Grok” Ai Bot to rival ChatGpt
Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Holy were voice critics for the previous administration’s handling of AI policies. In a joint statement last year, they criticized the slow pace of AI regulation and called for stricter restrictions on access to China’s cutting-edge technologies.
What penalties do violators face?
In numbers:
Individuals found to violate the proposed ban could face up to 20 years of prison.Companies using or importing Chinese AI could face fines of up to $100 million.The bill also seeks to block AI-related exports and imports between the US and China.
File – In this picture, the DeepSeek app will appear on your iPhone screen in San Anselmo, California on January 27th, 2025. (Photo illustrations by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
If the bill passes, this marks one of the toughest technical restrictions ever imposed on foreign AI. Critics argue that penalties are serious and can have unintended consequences for researchers and businesses relying on global AI models.
How high-tech companies in the US are responding
What they are saying:
The bill’s introduction coincided with a $1 trillion stock market sale in order for companies like Nvidia, the leader in AI chip manufacturing, to achieve historic losses. Some fear that AI escalation restrictions will disrupt the industry and put American companies at a disadvantage.
Last month, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang met with President Donald Trump last Friday to discuss the role of AI in maintaining US technical leadership. Trump did not disclose details of their conversation, which he called it a “good meeting,” suggesting uncertainty about future AI regulations.
Related: What is DeepSeek? Startup AI apps are rapidly increasing with downloads
Technology leaders are closely monitoring the progress of the bill and are concerned that widespread AI restrictions could curb innovation and slow the growth of American AI startups.
Will the invoice pass?
What’s next:
The bill has been presented for now, but its introduction highlights the growing push for AI regulations targeting China. The proposed limitations reflect an increasing number of bipartisan concerns about AI security risks and economic competition.
While the Holy bill may not pass in its current form, the introduction of the bill shows that Congress could bring more AI limits in the coming months. Whether Deepseek will be officially banned or not, the debate over China’s role in AI is not over.
Source: Information in this article was sourced from statements from the Associated Press, Washington Post, Reuters, lawmakers and AI industry experts.
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