DeepSeek and MiniMax receive approval for global use amid international scrutiny

Chinese AI firms DeepSeek and MiniMax have reportedly completed registration and licensing arrangements to allow for global use. This development follows recent efforts by China’s Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Science and Technology to revise the ‘Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited or Restricted from Export,’ which includes 23 AI-related technologies such as large models, agents, and computing clusters.

While the policy aims to define boundaries for data security and sensitive uses, it appears to maintain space for open-source sharing and API-based services. However, the expansion faces significant international headwinds. Several governments have implemented restrictions due to security and privacy concerns.

The United States Department of Homeland Security has ordered federal agencies to remove DeepSeek products from information technology systems and prohibited new procurement to prevent potential leaks of classified information. Similar bans or restrictions have been enacted by Australia, the Czech Republic, and Taiwan. In Europe, France has initiated investigations into privacy risks, Germany has sought the removal of related apps from stores, and Italy has conducted investigations into misinformation risks.