Chinese app DeepSeek banned by NT Government
NT public servants are being directed to stop using a Chinese artificial intelligence app on official devices after the platform was deemed an “unacceptable risk”. Read what Corporate and Digital Development Minister Joshua Burgoyne said.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
NT public servants are being directed to stop using a Chinese artificial intelligence app on official devices after the platform was deemed an “unacceptable risk”.
On Wednesday morning, strict instructions were issued to public service heads that Chinese app DeepSeek was not to be used on any government systems or devices.
The instructions come after the federal Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke declared the software a threat to national security on Tuesday.
“The Albanese government is taking swift and decisive action to protect Australia’s national security and national interest,” he said.
“AI is technology full of potential and opportunity – but the government will not hesitate to act when our agencies identify a national security risk.”
A free, AI-powered chatbot, DeepSeek rivals the capabilities of ChatGPT, enabling users to have complex patterns and problems resolved by way of technical assistance.
However, with the app incapable of providing responses to sensitive political events concerning the Chinese government, there have been rising fears the app is under the control of Beijing officials who seek to exploit customer data.
Corporate and Digital Development Minister Joshua Burgoyne told this publication the Finocchiaro Government would phase out DeepSeek in line with their Federal counterparts.
“We will implement cyber security policy to prevent the access, use or installation of DeepSeek products, applications and services from NTG systems and devices,” he said.
“DeepSeek poses an unacceptable risk to government technology assets.
“We will lead required communication to NT Government employees and stakeholders regarding this policy change.”
Interstate, state governments have already started their denouncement of the app, with South Australian Minister for Defence and Space Industries Stephen Mullighan warning the general public to reconsider their involvement with the app.
“I urge members of the general public who use DeepSeek to be vigilant and not upload any personal information they may not want to enter into the public sphere,” he said.
DeepSeek is not the first app black-listed by the NT Government, with TikTok also banned in 2023.
At the time NT public servants were given a deadline in which to delete the popular app.
More Coverage
Originally published as Chinese app DeepSeek banned by NT Government
Former AFL stars cop bans as two NTFL clubs fined
A pair of former AFL stars have copped bans that may mean one misses finals while two NTFL clubs were fined for a melee. Find out what happened in the Round 16 tribunal.
No cells, no watch house, no use: Lia condemns Nightcliff police station
It promised a 24/7 police presence, but the CLP now says Labor’s Nightcliff Police Station is a white elephant so unfit for purpose it will never be able to deliver.