DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, is shaking up the ΑΙ landscape by offering technology at a significantly lower cost compared to US competitors like OpenAI. Hemanth Mandapati, CEO of German startup Novo AI, recently switched to DeepSeek’s chatbot services, noting that the transition was quick and easy, and the cost savings were substantial. Mandapati reported that DeepSeek’s pricing was five times lower than what he was paying, with no noticeable difference in user performance. Analysts estimate that DeepSeek’s prices are 20 to 40 times cheaper than OpenAI’s, making it an attractive option for many startups.
The rise of DeepSeek is seen as a potential game-changer, particularly in Europe, where tech startups have struggled to compete with their US counterparts due to limited funding. Some believe DeepSeek’s low-cost offerings could democratise AI and help level the playing field with major tech companies. However, concerns about DeepSeek’s data practices, particularly regarding the potential copying of OpenAI’s data or censorship of Chinese content, have raised regulatory questions across Europe.
Despite scepticism around the actual cost of DeepSeek’s training and data usage, the company has garnered significant attention, especially after its model topped the productivity app rankings on the Apple App Store. Industry leaders argue that this shift in pricing could spark a broader movement in AI, with smaller companies gaining more access to advanced technologies without needing large budgets. This could foster innovation across the sector, although major corporations remain cautious due to security and integration concerns.
As the cost of AI continues to fall, competition is intensifying. For example, Microsoft recently made OpenAI’s reasoning model available for free to users of its Copilot platform. While price is becoming a dominant factor in AI adoption, industry experts suggest that trust and security certifications will still play a critical role for larger businesses when choosing their AI partners.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) was hit by a cyberattack affecting its online services and limiting access to weather information relied upon by various sectors, including aviation and agriculture. According to an official statement, SAWS’ website has been offline since Sunday evening. As a temporary measure, the agency has been sharing weather updates through alternative channels, such as social media platforms.
SAWS attributed the disruption to a ‘security breach’ and confirmed that its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems were impacted. The organisation stated that efforts are underway to investigate the incident and restore affected services, with ICT specialists working on interim and long-term solutions.
Critical operations, including those supporting aviation and maritime operations, have been affected. SAWS advised the public to refer to its social media channels for updates and announced that the incident would be reported to law enforcement authorities. The agency noted that this was the second attempted cyberattack in two days, with an initial attempt on January 25, 2025, reportedly unsuccessful.
SAWS also provides meteorological data to neighboring countries, making the disruption regionally significant. As of Wednesday afternoon, the SAWS website remained offline.
Chinese state-backed social media accounts played a key role in amplifying the launch of DeepSeek’s AI models last week, according to an analysis by the firm Graphika. These accounts, including those of Chinese diplomats and media outlets, used platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and Weibo to highlight DeepSeek’s challenge to US dominance in the AI sector. This online activity coincided with a significant drop in US tech stocks, including a record one-day loss for Nvidia, shedding $593 billion in market value.
Graphika’s report suggested that this was part of a broader strategy by China to use AI to enhance its global influence and counter American leadership in critical technological fields. The surge in online discussion about DeepSeek’s AI capabilities was noticeable, especially on X, where it surpassed US rival ChatGPT in downloads from Apple’s app store shortly after its release. DeepSeek’s AI assistant also claimed to have been developed at a much lower cost than US competitors, raising concerns about a potential price war in the sector.
While China celebrates DeepSeek’s advancements as a victory over US efforts to limit its tech growth, the US has raised suspicions about whether the company improperly accessed American technology. The Commerce Department is investigating whether DeepSeek used banned US chips in its models, further intensifying tensions between the two countries over AI and tech competition. Meanwhile, major US companies like Microsoft and Meta continue their AI investments despite the challenges.
Taiwan’s digital ministry has instructed government departments not to use DeepSeek’s artificial intelligence service due to security concerns. The warning highlights ongoing fears about Chinese technology, given Beijing’s claims over Taiwan and its political and military threats.
Authorities cited potential risks from cross-border data transmission and information leaks, describing DeepSeek as a threat to national security. The ministry pledged to monitor technological developments and adjust security policies accordingly.
DeepSeek’s AI assistant recently surpassed ChatGPT in downloads from Apple’s App Store. Global investors responded by selling US tech stocks, causing Nvidia’s market value to drop by $593 billion in a historic single-day loss.
Pressure is mounting on the Trump administration to impose stricter export controls on Nvidia’s AI chips following concerns over China’s DeepSeek. A bipartisan call from lawmakers John Moolenaar and Raja Krishnamoorthi urges officials to assess the national security risks linked to the firm’s reliance on advanced US technology.
A letter addressed to National Security Advisor Michael Waltz highlights that DeepSeek’s latest AI model has extensively used Nvidia’s H20 chips, which remain outside current export restrictions. The request forms part of a wider review into US export policies in response to strategic threats.
Concerns in Washington are growing over China’s rapid AI advancements, with the US House of Representatives warning against using DeepSeek’s technology. Officials fear AI could bolster cyber threats or facilitate bioweapons development, leading to increasing efforts to limit China’s access to cutting-edge chips.
Nvidia has stated that its products fully comply with US regulations and expressed willingness to work with authorities. Reports indicate that Trump’s administration is already considering new restrictions on H20 chip exports to China as part of its evolving AI security strategy.
SoftBank Group is in talks to lead a funding round of up to $40 billion for OpenAI, aiming to value the AI developer at $300 billion, including the new investment. This potential round, which would set a record for a private company, comes amid the growing competition in the AI sector, notably from Chinese startup DeepSeek. Despite this, SoftBank has valued OpenAI at $260 billion, up from $150 billion just a few months ago. The funding is expected to come via convertible notes and is contingent on OpenAI restructuring its business to limit the control of its non-profit arm.
The move would be a bold bet for SoftBank and its CEO Masayoshi Son, who has about $30 billion in cash available for investment. SoftBank’s commitment to OpenAI could be as much as $25 billion, with some funds potentially directed towards OpenAI’s joint venture Stargate, which aims to secure the US position in the global AI race against China. This would add to SoftBank’s previous $15 billion commitment to Stargate.
The funding talks come as OpenAI’s valuation has surged due to its influential AI model, ChatGPT, while competing companies, such as Microsoft and Meta Platforms, continue to ramp up their own AI investments, with Microsoft alone earmarking $80 billion for AI development. Meanwhile, DeepSeek has made waves by claiming that its latest AI model was developed with significantly lower costs than its competitors, further intensifying the race in AI innovation.
DeepSeek, a Chinese tech company, has made waves in the AI sector with a breakthrough that challenges the dominance of US tech giants. The company claims it can develop AI models that rival or surpass Western counterparts at a fraction of the cost, sparking concerns about America’s lead in the industry. In response, the CEOs of Microsoft and Meta have defended their substantial investments in AI infrastructure, emphasising that such spending is necessary to meet growing demand and stay competitive.
Microsoft and Meta have committed billions to AI, with Microsoft earmarking $80 billion for the current fiscal year and Meta pledging up to $65 billion. Both companies argue that expanding their computing networks is critical to addressing the increasing demands of AI applications. Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella highlighted the need to overcome capacity constraints, while Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg stressed that heavy investment would give them a strategic advantage over time.
Despite these bold investments, there are signs of investor frustration. Microsoft’s shares recently fell 5% following disappointing growth forecasts for its cloud business, and Wall Street analysts are calling for clearer plans on how these investments will translate into profits. Meta also sent mixed signals, reporting a strong fourth quarter but offering a weak sales outlook, leaving some to question the long-term payoff of their AI ventures.
There are indications that both companies may adjust their approach. Microsoft’s CFO, Amy Hood, noted that while they will continue investing in AI, the pace of spending will slow in the coming years, signalling a shift towards more sustainable growth. As the AI race heats up, it remains to be seen whether these large investments will eventually lead to the anticipated returns.
France‘s data protection authority, the CNIL, announced it will question DeepSeek to better understand how the Chinese company’s AI system operates and assess potential privacy risks for users. The move comes as European regulators intensify scrutiny of AI, following concerns raised by Italy and Ireland over DeepSeek’s handling of personal data.
DeepSeek recently gained international attention after revealing its latest AI model, DeepSeek-V3, was trained using less than $6 million worth of Nvidia H800 computing power. European authorities have been particularly vigilant about data protection, with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) setting stringent standards for privacy. Under GDPR, violations can result in fines of up to 4% of a company’s global turnover.
The CNIL’s investigation follows a broader European push to regulate AI technology, with new rules imposing strict transparency obligations on high-risk AI systems. Other countries, such as Italy and Ireland, have also launched inquiries into DeepSeek, reflecting growing concerns over AI’s implications for data privacy across the continent.
A cybersecurity firm Wiz has discovered that Chinese AI startup DeepSeek inadvertently exposed sensitive data online. New York-based Wiz found more than a million lines of unsecured information, including digital software keys and chat logs capturing user interactions with the company’s AI assistant.
DeepSeek acted swiftly to secure the data after Wiz reported the issue. The company’s chief technology officer noted that the exposure was easy to find, raising concerns that others may have accessed the information before it was taken down. DeepSeek has not commented on the incident.
The startup has gained rapid popularity, with its AI assistant surpassing ChatGPT in downloads from Apple’s App Store. Its rise has intensified competition in the AI sector, sparking debates about the sustainability of US tech giants’ business models and profit margins.
A global law enforcement operation has shut down a series of cybercrime websites used for selling stolen data, pirated software, and hacking tools. The FBI and Europol coordinated the takedown as part of ‘Operation Talent’, targeting platforms associated with Cracked, Nulled, StarkRDP, Sellix, and MySellix.
Seizure notices appeared on the affected websites, and officials confirmed that information on customers and victims had also been obtained. Europol stated that further details would be released within 24 hours, while the FBI has not yet commented on the operation.
Reports suggest that the targeted sites played various roles in the cybercrime ecosystem, facilitating the trade of stolen login credentials, compromised credit card details, and video game cheats. A message in a Cracked Telegram channel acknowledged the seizure, with administrators expressing uncertainty over the next steps.
Authorities continue to investigate, with the crackdown highlighting ongoing efforts to disrupt cybercriminal networks. More updates are expected as officials analyse the seized data and determine potential follow-up actions.
