The rapid success of AI startup DeepSeek in January has led to Chinese authorities now monitoring the company’s every move. The government is wary of technology leaks and has restricted some DeepSeek employees from traveling abroad, particularly to the United States.
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The travel restrictions on DeepSeek are being implemented through its parent company, High-Flyer, which is holding the passports of certain employees to prevent them from leaving China without permission. The measures, according to TechCrunch, come shortly after reports emerged that the Chinese government has advised artificial intelligence (AI) researchers and entrepreneurs to avoid traveling to the United States, fearing that technological secrets could leak out, especially amid the growing standoff between the two countries.
The Chinese government has also tightened controls over investments in the company. Potential investors undergo rigorous government screening before being allowed to invest in the AI startup.
It’s worth noting that DeepSeek is not the only company operating under increased scrutiny. In recent years, Beijing has been actively regulating the tech sector, especially in the field of AI. This is due to both national security and China’s desire to develop its own technologies and not depend on Western companies.