What is DeepSeek's approach to data ownership?

DeepSeek’s approach to data ownership prioritizes user control and transparency. The company ensures that users retain ownership of the data they provide, whether it’s code, documents, or other inputs. This means that any data uploaded or generated through DeepSeek’s tools remains the property of the user, and DeepSeek does not claim rights to reuse or redistribute it without explicit permission. For example, if a developer uses DeepSeek’s APIs to process proprietary code, the code itself and any outputs derived from it are treated as the developer’s intellectual property. Users can typically delete their data or export it via self-service tools, ensuring they maintain full control over its lifecycle.

To enforce this, DeepSeek implements clear data usage policies and technical safeguards. Data processed by DeepSeek’s systems is isolated to prevent unintended access, and encryption is applied both in transit and at rest. For instance, when a user interacts with a DeepSeek model, their input data is processed in a sandboxed environment, and temporary copies are automatically purged after a defined retention period. The company also avoids using user data for model training or improvement unless explicitly authorized through opt-in agreements. Developers can review these settings in their account dashboard, allowing them to adjust permissions or revoke access to specific datasets as needed.

Compliance with regulations like GDPR and CCPA is a key part of DeepSeek’s strategy. The platform provides tools for users to audit data access, request deletion, or restrict processing. For example, an enterprise client could use DeepSeek’s API to automatically redact sensitive information before processing or set geographic restrictions on where their data is stored. Additionally, DeepSeek offers contractual agreements that outline data ownership terms, ensuring legal alignment with organizational policies. By combining technical controls, transparent policies, and regulatory adherence, DeepSeek aims to create a framework where developers can trust that their data remains theirs, even when leveraging third-party AI tools.