Chinese AI sensation DeepSeek dethrones ChatGPT but limits users amid 'malicious' cyberattacks
Science & Tech, world: DeepSeek, which recently surpassed OpenAI’s ChatGPT in popularity, reported "large-scale malicious attacks" causing major service outages.
Chinese AI platform DeepSeek announced on Monday (Jan 27) that it is limiting new user registrations due to large-scale cyberattacks, just hours after becoming the top free app on Apple’s App Store in the United States.
DeepSeek faces 'large-scale malicious attacks'
DeepSeek, which recently surpassed OpenAI’s ChatGPT in popularity, reported "large-scale malicious attacks" causing major service outages. As a result, the platform has restricted access for new users. These outages have impacted both its desktop and mobile versions.
Also read: 'AI's Sputnik moment': China's 'cheap' AI model DeepSeek overtakes billion-dollar ChatGPT
Tech stocks plunge following DeepSeek’s success
Developed by a start-up in Hangzhou, eastern China, DeepSeek has quickly gained recognition for competing with industry leaders like OpenAI at a fraction of the cost.
)
FIFA World Cup 2026: Katy Perry offers a backstage look at her opening ceremony preparations
)
Scientists discover world's largest 'whale graveyard' hidden 7km beneath the Indian Ocean
)
Father of slain Indian sailor Aditya Sharma criticises US over strike on tanker off Oman
)
Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata Review: Kangana Ranaut throws light on untold side of 26/11 beyond Taj and Leopold
)
From ballistic missiles to maritime threats: India successfully tests key defence technologies, enters elite club
)
Mobile tower stolen in Bihar: Police probe bizarre theft in Buxar. This is what happened
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
China's Gaokao vs India's JEE: Comparing the world's toughest entrance examinations
)
Iran declares SpaceX and Starlink assets in West Asia legitimate military targets
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (June 12, 2026): Raakh, Bhooth Bangla, Dridam- Watch these 6 movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar and more
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony: Shakira, Nora Fatehi, LISA and more-a look at all the performers of the night
)
IMD tracks El Niño growth as concerns mount over India's rainfall outlook
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Beyond Strait of Hormuz: How the Oman-Gujarat deep-sea pipeline could transform India's energy imports
)
Why Nepal joins Japan in banning Indian Mango imports & how it could impact exporters
)
Araghchi says Iran won the war, claims US ready to unlock $24 billion
)
'I deserve this hate': Pranit More issues an apology over Rs 370 Biryani controversy
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
FIFA World Cup 2026 Canada Opening Ceremony in pictures: Nora Fatehi, Alessia Cara dazzle with their performance
)
Trillionaire Elon Musk's net worth after SpaceX IPO equals 25 per cent of India's GDP and more than 160 countries' output
)
‘No food in the fridge’: Why Elon Musk, world’s first trillionaire, lives in 400 sq ft home?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Deepika Padukone in Jawan to Sanya Malhotra in Bandar: Times when actors shone with limited scenes
)
Indian Govt to fund startup aiming to build Methane-LOX rocket engine
)
Indian Air Force aircraft crashes in Assam’s Jorhat, killing 5 personnel
)
'Beaten, stripped, whipped': Indian-origin man gets 34 years in jail for raping UK woman
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Pride Month special: Bollywood queer characters who deserve their own spin-off
)
Fact Check: Indian crew members aboard Liaki Freedom vessel attacked by missiles? MEA says...
)
'Israel not a party to deal' Netanyahu hails Trump assurances on Iran nuclear curbs, missile restrictions
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
World's Safest Countries in 2026: Did India make it to the top 10? Here's where it ranks
)
NEET aspirant posing as fake Brigadier walks into Army trap in UP, arrested – Here’s what happened
)
Who is Niño Guerrero? Trump announces leader of 'bloodthirsty terrorist organisation' Tren de Aragua killed in 'swift and lethal' US strike
)
How RSI-India, inspired by MIT, is giving Indian school students a taste of cutting-edge research
)
Israel rules out withdrawal from Lebanon, Syria and Gaza; Iran says proposed deal includes all fronts
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How US fighter jet pilots can change a missile's target after launch
)
India's $2 billion drone push: Why batteries could be biggest winner in defence-tech boom
)
Mathematician who correctly predicted last 3 World Cup winners reveals FIFA World Cup 2026 champion
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Is it logically smarter to buy an electric car right now just to avoid fuel costs?
)
'Message from space': Did CIA destroy an alien message? Newly released UFO files reveal bizarre 1958 mystery
Its rise to the top of the US App Store on Monday sent shockwaves through the stock market, with shares in AI-related tech giants plummeting.
Nvidia’s market value dropped by $500 billion, while companies like Microsoft and Meta also faced significant losses. European firms were affected as well, with Dutch semiconductor equipment maker ASML’s shares falling over 10% and Siemens Energy’s shares declining by 21%.
DeepSeek offers generative AI capabilities similar to its Western counterparts, enabling users to compose song lyrics, plan personal projects, or solve complex maths and reasoning problems. Although its functionality is subject to the strict censorship seen in other Chinese chatbots, such as Baidu’s Ernie Bot, which limits discussions on political topics.
Who founded DeepSeek?
DeepSeek was established in 2023 by Liang Wenfeng, an information and electronic engineering graduate from Hangzhou in southeastern China.
Also read: Was Suchir Balaji murdered? New photos from crime scene raise questions on suicide claims
Liang, who also founded the hedge fund that financed DeepSeek, reportedly stockpiled Nvidia A100 chips—now banned from export to China—to support the development of the app. Experts estimate he acquired around 50,000 of these chips and combined them with lower-end, imported alternatives to create the technology behind DeepSeek.
(With inputs from agencies)
