Deepseek, a leading Chinese AI company, has enforced strict travel restrictions on its staff due to concerns over foreign takeovers and data security.
Key employees are required to surrender their passports to prevent unauthorized international travel. This decision follows the success of Deepseek's advanced AI model, "R1," which has elevated the company in China's AI landscape.
Although the Chinese government hasn’t imposed a blanket travel ban, it encourages AI executives to limit travel to the U.S. and allied nations.
The restrictions highlight Beijing’s focus on AI security, intellectual property protection, and technology leakage.
With growing global competition, China is implementing tighter measures to prevent foreign access to its AI advancements while boosting domestic production and reducing dependence on Western innovations.
However, the move raises concerns about stifling international collaboration and limiting talent acquisition. Critics argue that such restrictions could hinder long-term AI progress and affect China’s role in the global tech industry.