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Is DeepSeek safe to use?

Use with caution

The AI is real and capable, but data goes to servers in China and regulators have found it sharing data without consent.

Checked October 2026

Quick facts

Owned by
Hangzhou DeepSeek AI
Based in
Hangzhou, China
Encryption
Not end-to-end; data stored in China.
Data it collects
Prompts, uploads, device and network data and keystroke patterns, stored in China.
Minimum age
Varies

What keeps you safe

  • Open-weight models you can run on your own computer without sending data anywhere.

Risks to know about

  • South Korea's privacy regulator found in April 2025 that it sent user prompts and device data to a ByteDance-owned cloud without consent.
  • Security researchers found an exposed database with chat logs in January 2025.
  • Banned on government devices in the US, Australia, Taiwan and elsewhere; Italy pulled it from app stores.

Scams to watch for on DeepSeek

  • Fake DeepSeek apps and "DeepSeek token" crypto schemes.

Is DeepSeek legit?

DeepSeek is a real AI company. The app is legit but not private.

Is it safe for kids?

Not recommended for children.

How to use DeepSeek safely

  1. Never paste personal, work or financial data.

  2. Use the open-source model locally if privacy matters.

Where DeepSeek is restricted

Does a VPN make DeepSeek safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and protects you on public Wi-Fi. It can't stop DeepSeek collecting data or scammers messaging you.

Picked for privacy and getting messages through.

Proton VPN

Swiss-based with open-source apps and a free tier, plus a Stealth protocol for restrictive networks.

For strict networks: the Stealth protocol.

Try Proton VPN

Private Internet Access

Open-source apps, unlimited devices and servers in every US state, at a low price.

For strict networks: the Shadowsocks proxy option.

Try Private Internet Access

ExpressVPN

Obfuscation is switched on automatically on every server, so there is no special mode to find.

For strict networks: automatic obfuscation (protocol set to Automatic).

Try ExpressVPN
Not sure about these three? See 3 more VPNs NordVPN, Surfshark and CyberGhost

NordVPN

Largest network of the six, with the NordWhisper protocol for networks that inspect traffic.

For strict networks: NordWhisper or obfuscated servers.

Try NordVPN

Surfshark

Unlimited devices on one plan, with NoBorders mode that switches on in restrictive regions.

For strict networks: NoBorders mode.

Try Surfshark

CyberGhost

Servers labelled for specific streaming services and a 45-day refund window on longer plans.

For strict networks: a nearby server (CyberGhost has no stealth mode).

Try CyberGhost

We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick and how we make money

Questions people ask

Is DeepSeek safe to use?

The AI is real and capable, but data goes to servers in China and regulators have found it sharing data without consent.

Is DeepSeek legit?

DeepSeek is a real AI company. The app is legit but not private.

Is DeepSeek encrypted?

Not end-to-end; data stored in China.

What data does DeepSeek collect?

Prompts, uploads, device and network data and keystroke patterns, stored in China.

Is DeepSeek safe for kids?

Not recommended for children.

Does a VPN make DeepSeek safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts traffic on public Wi-Fi, so your network and ISP can't see what you do on DeepSeek. It does not stop DeepSeek itself from collecting data, and it does not protect you from scams inside the app.

Sources