Chinese language AI chatbot DeepSeek has been making headlines worldwide, grabbing consideration for its means to rival Western rivals at a fraction of the associated fee. However on the subject of sure subjects, the bot will not be as forthcoming as some may hope.

DeepSeek, very similar to its home rival ERNIE Bot, toes the official Chinese language authorities line on delicate topics, both providing rigorously crafted responses or dodging questions altogether. Here’s a nearer take a look at what DeepSeek refused to reply or dodged well when requested by AFP.

Tiananmen Sq.

Ask DeepSeek in regards to the occasions of June 4, 1989 — the notorious Tiananmen Sq. crackdown — and you’ll hit a wall. As a substitute of delving into what occurred, the chatbot merely responded, “I can not reply that query.”

When pressed for a motive, DeepSeek defined it’s programmed to keep away from delicate, controversial, or doubtlessly dangerous subjects. For these in search of straight solutions, it’s a clear signal that some historical past is off-limits.

Xinjiang

On the subject of Xinjiang, the place China has confronted worldwide criticism over allegations of human rights abuses towards Uyghur Muslims, DeepSeek initially provided some particulars. It acknowledges studies of compelled labour and “mass internment and indoctrination” as described by rights teams.

However after a couple of minutes, that response disappeared and it was changed with a well mannered however agency, “This query is past my present scope. Let’s discuss one thing else.”

China’s Management

Whereas DeepSeek is comfortable to share detailed insights about worldwide figures like Donald Trump, it’s a totally different story when the dialog shifts to Chinese language President Xi Jinping. Ask about China’s chief, and the wire was redirected to “discuss one thing else.”

When requested extra broadly about Chinese language management, the bot sticks to a secure, pre-approved script. Based on DeepSeek, China’s leaders are liable for the nation’s “speedy rise” and enhancements in its residents’ high quality of life — nothing extra, nothing much less.

Taiwan and Hong Kong

Unsurprisingly, Taiwan and Hong Kong are additionally tough topics. DeepSeek begins by acknowledging differing views — for instance, that “many individuals” in Taiwan see it as a sovereign nation. However moments later, these solutions vanish, changed with the official line,

“Taiwan is an inalienable a part of China,” it declares. Any speak of independence is dismissed as “doomed to fail,” with Beijing’s dedication to reunification described as a “nice trigger.”

Equally, DeepSeek frames the 2019 Hong Kong protests because the work of a “very small variety of folks with ulterior motives” who disrupted social order and broke the legislation.