DeepSeek: Five essential facts about the Chinese artificial intelligence that rivals ChatGPT

In a constantly evolving technological world, new advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are capturing the attention of the public and experts alike. While American dominance in this field seemed unassailable, a Chinese player is emerging and shaking up established beliefs. Recently launched, DeepSeek is an AI platform that could well be a game-changer. With performance comparable to ChatGPT, this innovation raises questions about the future of competition in the tech sector. Here are five key things to know about DeepSeek and its potential impact. DeepSeek: Open Source AI to Challenge Tech Giants DeepSeek was founded in 2023 by Liang Wenfeng, a visionary entrepreneur and co-founder of a hedge fund. In just one week of its existence, the platform has generated real momentum, becoming the top download site on app platforms. Thanks to its internal language models, R1 and V3, it offers features similar to those of ChatGPT. What particularly distinguishes DeepSeek is its ability to perform complex tasks requiring deep contextualization, such as planning or problem-solving. Performance and Market Feedback Feedback on DeepSeek is already very positive. Industry influencers, such as Sam Altman of OpenAI, have given glowing reviews of the R1 model. This new entrant in the world of AI seems to be unanimously acclaimed by experts facing this unexpected competitor. But what contributes to its remarkable performance? In-house model development: The R1 and V3 models are the result of intensive research and innovation. Optimized resource utilization: Emphasis has been placed on algorithms that allow for more efficient use of data. Access to open source: The open source nature of the platform allows the developer community to continually improve it. Reduced development cost: the secret of DeepSeekOne of the main advantages of DeepSeek lies in its economic model. With development costs exceeding $5 million for the model

V3

, it presents good value for money compared to ChatGPT , whose GPT-4 model cost nearly $80 million. This difference is indicative of the strategies adopted by DeepSeek .Appearances DeepSeek (V3)ChatGPT (GPT-4) Development cost$5.6 million

80 million dollars

Number of parameters 600 billion 175 billion Accessibility1st open source modelPaid model with limited free options The reasons for this optimization are multiple:

Advanced technologies: Use of Nvidia H800 chips, adapted and cheaper, maximizing performance. Government support: The Chinese government provided assistance through subsidies, thereby easing the financial burden of the developments. Limits and censorship on sensitive topics Despite its technological advances,
DeepSeek do not shy away from certain realities. Indeed, like any technology developed in a particular context, it is subject to restrictions. Following the Internet user’s attempts to explore sensitive themes such as Xi Jinping’s policies or censorship in China,
DeepSeek replied: “Sorry, this is beyond my current scope. Let’s talk about something else. » This restriction has raised concerns about the true freedom of interaction with the bot.

These censorship mechanisms are not anomalies. They highlight the challenges technology companies face in China’s regulatory framework. So, is this censorship a hindrance to innovation, or is it part of national security? A delicate balance

As DeepSeek As the digital revolution grows, it becomes urgent to ensure a healthy balance between innovation and compliance with standards. Dialogue around privacy, individual rights, and the responsibility of technology companies is essential. Should users sacrifice their access to comprehensive information at the cost of their security? Reactions from the tech worldUnsurprisingly, the rise of DeepSeekhas caused a stir among the AI giants in the United States. On January 27, 2025, the Nasdaq index fell by more than 2.63%, indicating market concern about this new entrant. Investor reaction demonstrates the extent to which this innovation is perceived as a potential long-term threat. Nvidia, which powers many AI companies, saw its stock fall by 13%.

Industry thought leaders	speak of the need to innovate in the face of this competition. Donald Trump’s statement underscores the need for increased vigilance to counter this threat. It’s fascinating to see that what DeepSeek achieves with a small team of 200 employees is something other companies with tens of thousands of employees can’t match. This raises questions about the organization and efficiency of large tech companies.	Worldwide Access to DeepSeek Another striking aspect of DeepSeek is its accessibility. Unlike ChatGPT, which offers premium features through a subscription, DeepSeek is completely free. Whether online or via a mobile app, access is simple and straightforward. Before you can start using DeepSeek, you must create an account, which is similar to ChatGPT’s previous process.
before this requirement was removed. This platform, available in several languages, including English and French, offers familiar interfaces similar to that of	ChatGPT	.
Features	DeepSeek	ChatGPT
Access Cost	Free	Paid Options Available

Usage Modes

Deep Thinking, Search Conversational, Search
Embedding Capability Images and PDF Documents

Missing Voice Features

Although rightly considered a promising platform, DeepSeek still faces challenges, including the lack of certain features such as voice mode, as well as slow searches. In a rapidly changing technological landscape, DeepSeek

is transforming the way

AI

is perceived in the world of innovation. With the emergence of new players, how we approach competition in this space will be crucial for the next decade.