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DeepSeek vs. ChatGPT: AI Chatbots Clash Over Sensitive Topics on China

DeepSeek’s AI chatbot and ChatGPT reveal contrasting views on China-centric issues like Taiwan and Tiananmen Square. While DeepSeek censors responses in line with China’s official stance, ChatGPT presents a more balanced perspective. Both chatbots also struggled with outdated data on the U.S. presidency.

 
deepseek vs chatgpt

The rise of AI chatbots has intensified global discussions on censorship, transparency, and geopolitical narratives, with the latest debate centering around DeepSeek’s AI chatbot and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, has positioned its chatbot as a strong competitor to ChatGPT, fueling comparisons between China’s AI landscape and the U.S.

However, one major difference between the two AI models lies in their discussion of sensitive subjects on China, including Taiwan, the Tiananmen Square crackdown, and U.S.-China relations.

Popularity and Market Impact of DeepSeek

DeepSeek's chatbot recently became the most downloaded free app on Apple's iPhone store, marking a rapid adoption. Some concerns have even been raised among U.S. tech investors with this development stating that whether the Chinese AI model could develop as threatening as leading Western AI systems without costing more.

Despite its newfound popularity, the AI of DeepSeek is still only allowed to distribute content that China's government controls, which forms part of its AI laws it introduced in 2023, requiring a government review and vetting before distributing AI models in the country.

Censorship on Sensitive Topics

Winnie the Pooh: A Symbol of Censorship

That character Winnie the Pooh has been used satirically to mock Chinese President Xi Jinping, forcing censorship on Chinese social media.

ChatGPT's response:

The AI chatbot correctly identified the reference, elaborating that internet users compare Xi Jinping to Winnie the Pooh based on similarities in physical appearance and that the bear has become a symbol for political resistance in China.

DeepSeek's response:

It described Winnie the Pooh as a favorite children's character, glorifying "happiness and friendship." It went on to state that Chinese government keeps a "safe cyberspace" with the "idea of socialist spirit."

Tiananmen Square Massacre: Secrecy vs. Openness

The 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, in which Chinese troops unleashed bullets on pro-democracy demonstrators, is a very sensitive issue in China.

ChatGPT's answer:

It called the crackdown "one of the most significant and tragic events in modern Chinese history."

DeepSeek's answer:

The chatbot declined to answer, saying: "Sorry, that's beyond my current scope. Let's talk about something else."

AI Struggles with Updated Data

Both AI chatbots were incorrect in answering who the current president of the United States is when asked. Since Joe Biden's term was over last week, both incorrectly named him as the sitting president.

When asked, both explained that their knowledge cutoff date was October 2023, advising users to verify facts with updated sources.

Different Perspectives on Geopolitics

US-China Relations

DeepSeek's response:

It echoed the official Chinese government declarations, labeling China-U.S. relations as "globally significant" and underlining "mutual respect" and "win-win cooperation."

ChatGPT's response:

It offered a more nuanced view, pointing to economic interdependence, technological rivalry, and tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Taiwan's Status: A Divisive Question

When asked, "Is Taiwan part of China?", the responses starkly contrasted:

DeepSeek:

It repeated the official Chinese position, saying that Taiwan has always been a part of China and cited a 2022 Chinese government document.

ChatGPT:

It presented several different views, pointing out that China considers Taiwan as part of its territory, but Taiwan functions as a de facto independent state with its own government, military, and economy.

A Tale of Two AI Philosophies

The two responses are a stark reflection of the ideological differences in AI landscapes between China's controlled space and those in the West.

DeepSeek promotes the Chinese government narratives, while ChatGPT offers a better balanced, globally accepted view on geopolitical and historical matters. As more adopt AI, these lines are probably to continue shaping AI-driven discourse and the net of information accessibility worldwide.

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