DeepSeek: The Hero or the Villian?

A Chinese startup company named DeepSeek recently released its newest AI model

The DeepSeek App. Image provided by The New York Times

In January 2025, DeepSeek, a Chinese startup company, released its R1 model. It blew over the Internet, briefly becoming the top app in Apple’s App Store, unseating ChatGPT and tumbling tech stocks, according to CNN. But, why is DeepSeek so popular?

DeepSeek R1

DeepSeek R1 can perform as well as OpenAI’s o1 model. DeepSeek stated that their model costs only a fraction of ChatGPT o1, and it is free for all users. From a consumer’s perspective, it is evident to use DeepSeek R1 rather than pay for ChatGPT Pro when they have similar performances. To many, this is very impressive as the U.S. restricts the export of AI chips to China. 

Effects

According to CNN, with DeepSeek’s incredible performance and its accessibility, Chinese internet search giant Baidu and OpenAI have both stated plans to make their AI models free for everyone. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, announced a roadmap of GPT-5, with everyone having unlimited access to GPT-5 for free, with Pro users having the ability to access a “higher level of intelligence.”

Some US lawmakers are planning to ban DeepSeek from government devices due to privacy and national security concerns, similar to Australia, Italy, and Taiwan.

Quartz wrote that although many are worried about DeepSeek’s new entrance, Google’s DeepMind CEO Menis Hassabis stated that Google has better models that DeepSeek. He explained that when looking into the details, DeepSeek exaggerated their claims.

Conclusion

The US had believed they were in a huge lead in AI development. However, with the new DeepSeek R1, this has come into question. All in all, this may lead to better AI development and a better outcome for everyone.