A new Chinese chatbot called DeepSeek has come under fire for spreading Chinese propaganda and disinformation campaigns. Researchers have found that the chatbot’s responses largely reflect the worldview of the Chinese Communist Party, with answers that parrot false claims and misrepresent facts.
DeepSeek has been criticized for misstating remarks by former President Jimmy Carter, spreading false information about China’s policies in Xinjiang, and avoiding sensitive topics such as the Tiananmen Square protests or Taiwan. The chatbot’s responses often mirror China’s official views and include explicitly false claims spread by Chinese officials.
Experts warn that DeepSeek, like other Chinese tech platforms, is part of China’s broader efforts to shape public opinion globally. The chatbot’s use of large language modeling to generate responses creates an element of unpredictability, with a tendency to hallucinate or provide inaccurate information.
Despite its advanced technology, DeepSeek is subject to China’s strict government control and censorship online, limiting its ability to provide objective and accurate information. The chatbot’s responses often deflect controversial questions and align with the Communist Party’s messaging.
Researchers have documented a series of influence campaigns by China targeting companies like Uniqlo and organizations like Safeguard Defenders, using a variety of platforms to spread false information and discredit critics. China’s information strategy aims to bolster its geopolitical standing and undermine its rivals through soft power tools and covert disinformation campaigns.
As DeepSeek continues to generate controversy, questions remain about the chatbot’s role in shaping public opinion and spreading propaganda on a global scale.
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