The recent rise of DeepSeek, an artificial intelligence (AI) developed by a Chinese startup, has sparked intense discussions about the “AI war” and its impact on OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Released in January 2025, DeepSeek quickly became the most downloaded free app on the U.S. App Store, surpassing ChatGPT in popularity.
DeepSeek represents a significant advancement in AI technology, offering performance comparable to sophisticated proprietary models, but at a much lower cost. This economic efficiency has drawn the attention of Western companies, especially since DeepSeek can be installed for free in private environments, reducing reliance on traditional providers.
Impact on the Financial Market
The rise of DeepSeek has had repercussions in the financial market, with companies like Nvidia and Oracle seeing significant drops in their stock prices. This volatility reflects market concerns about the efficiency and costs of AI technologies, especially in the face of more affordable and effective alternatives.
Ethical Considerations and Censorship
A notable difference between DeepSeek and ChatGPT is their approach to sensitive topics. DeepSeek tends to avoid or censor discussions on delicate issues related to China, such as the Tiananmen Square Massacre and human rights. This practice raises concerns about impartiality and freedom of speech in AI interactions.
Industry Reactions
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, acknowledged the impact of DeepSeek, describing it as “impressive” and indicating that OpenAI is considering new releases for ChatGPT in response to the competition.
The arrival of DeepSeek intensifies competition in the field of artificial intelligence, challenging Western dominance and highlighting China’s growing technological capabilities. This “AI war” promises to accelerate innovations and raise questions about ethics, censorship, and the future of global technology.
