Is DeepSeek safe to use?
A capable, low-cost Chinese AI assistant, strong at reasoning and coding. It made waves by matching far more expensive models.
Last reviewed: 20 July 2026
Does DeepSeek train on what you type?
Yes, by default.
Can you turn DeepSeek's training off?
There is no training opt-out on the hosted app or website. The only private way to use DeepSeek is to run the open model locally on your own computer.
What happens to your data when you use DeepSeek?
DeepSeek's hosted app stores everything you type on servers in China and uses it to train its models, with no opt-out. Under Chinese law, authorities can compel access to that data, and several governments have restricted or banned the app over these concerns. Important distinction: DeepSeek's model is open, so running it locally (through tools like Ollama or LM Studio) keeps your data entirely on your own machine. It is only the hosted app and website that send data to China.
The Skeptic's take
“Impressive technology, genuine privacy problem. Everything you type into the DeepSeek app goes to servers in China and into its training, with no way to opt out — and several governments have banned it for exactly that. If you want to try it safely, run the open version on your own computer. Never put anything personal into the app.”
— The Skeptic
Wondering how we decide these ratings? Read how we review AI privacy.
Knowing what’s safe is half of it.
The other half is knowing what to do with these tools. We teach that part — tutorials, prompts, plain English, no judgment. For less than a cup of coffee a month.
Show Me How This Works →Start free. Cancel anytime. No judgment, ever.