In a move reflecting the increasing intertwining of technology and geopolitical concerns, Microsoft has implemented a ban on employees using the DeepSeek application. This decision is rooted in critical data security and potential political influence worries, as highlighted by Microsoft’s leadership during a recent Senate hearing. The ban affects both the DeepSeek app itself and its associated R1 model offered through Azure. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Microsoft’s rationale focuses on three key factors: data location, potential for propaganda manipulation, and legal compliance risks. These include concerns about sensitive user information being stored in China, the AI model’s potential to be influenced by or spread “Chinese propaganda,” and compliance with Chinese laws that require cooperation with intelligence agencies,