Is DeepSeek trustworthy for business use?

Quick Answer: DeepSeek scores poorly on human-centered trustworthy AI: Privacy (1/10), Security (2/10), Fairness (1-2/10), Transparency (4/10), Social Impact (3/10). Despite achieving competitive AI at ~5% of Western costs, January 2025 database leak revealed significant vulnerabilities. R1's "thinking process" feature shows promising transparency innovation.

Key Characteristics:
  • Cost breakthrough: competitive AI at ~5% of Western development costs
  • January 2025 database leak revealed significant security vulnerabilities
  • DeepSeek-R1's "thinking process" showing reasoning is innovative transparency
  • Triggered 17% Nvidia stock drop due to efficiency breakthrough
Real Example:

Last Updated: 4 October 2025