DeepSeek’s Chen Warns AI Could Threaten Society at Conference

URGENT UPDATE: DeepSeek’s senior researcher, Chen Deli, has raised alarms about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence (AI) on society during the World Internet Conference held in Wuzhen, China. This announcement comes as AI technology rapidly advances, sparking concerns about job displacement and societal impact.

In a stark contrast to previous optimistic statements, Chen declared, “I’m extremely positive about the technology but I view the impact it could have on society negatively.” This sentiment reflects a growing unease among AI leaders regarding the implications of their innovations. The comments were made on October 18, 2023, as DeepSeek has remained relatively quiet since its breakthrough in January with the launch of its cutting-edge language model, DeepSeek-R1.

The urgency of Chen’s warning is underscored by the recent integration of DeepSeek’s technology into various Chinese companies, aiming for what is termed “algorithmic sovereignty.” This initiative seeks to develop advanced AI capabilities without reliance on foreign technologies, particularly those from the United States.

Chen’s remarks echo concerns previously voiced by U.S. tech leaders but carry a heavier weight in China, where government regulation plays a critical role in the tech landscape. Following his earlier optimism about DeepSeek’s achievements in January, when he described the model’s performance as a “dream,” Chen now emphasizes the need for tech companies to act as “defenders” against potential disasters brought on by AI advancements.

At the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum, President Xi Jinping also highlighted the necessity for a global governance framework for AI, advocating for its designation as a “public good for the international community.” These statements align with Chen’s warnings about job threats posed by AI in the coming decade, further highlighting the urgency for a unified approach to mitigate risks.

As the conversation around AI regulation intensifies, Chen’s comments serve as a call to action for tech companies. He stated, “Society could face a massive challenge,” reinforcing the idea that without proactive measures, the societal impact of AI could be severe.

With DeepSeek’s rapid rise and its implications for the future of AI in China, observers are urged to consider the balance between innovation and societal responsibility. The company’s recent developments, including an experimental version of their LLM that supports Chinese GPUs and creates alternatives to NVIDIA’s CUDA API, indicate a shifting landscape in AI technology.

As this situation unfolds, the tech community and policymakers must heed these warnings and collaborate on solutions to ensure AI serves as a benefit rather than a threat to society. Stay tuned for more updates on this critical issue, as developments are expected to emerge rapidly in the coming days.