DeepSeek’s AI model delivers answers on par with ChatGPT — But there’s a catch

Chinese startup DeepSeek has shown impressive capabilities, delivering answers similar to ChatGPT during a recent testing. But the China-hosted version of DeepSeek reportedly was reluctant to address politically sensitive topics.

While its performance was on par with other AI models for general enquiries, it became more cautious while responding to issues that could clash with Chinese government regulations.

DeepSeek’s responses to a range of questions was recently tested by Axios, which highlighted these differences. The outlet asked similar questions to the DeepSeek app, ChatGPT and the Perplexity Pro version of DeepSeek. While the answers from all three models were largely similar, the China-hosted version displayed political sensitivity, offering fewer responses.

Performance comparison with ChatGPT

In general queries, DeepSeek's model performed well, with answers on par with ChatGPT in many areas. For instance, when asked about the origins of COVID-19, both models provided a balanced response, referencing both the wet market and lab-origin theories.

But the difference in responses was seen when Axios asked about the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. While ChatGPT and Perplexity's DeepSeek provided detailed accounts of the crackdown on Tiananmen Square protestors, the DeepSeek app declined to comment, citing its commitment to “helpful and harmless responses.”

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Queries that yielded similar results

Despite its political limitations, DeepSeek showed flexibility when handling routine queries. For dinner ideas, the DeepSeek app suggested options like grilled chicken bowls, a DIY taco/nacho night and sheet pan fajitas.

Perplexity’s version of DeepSeek, while offering more concise descriptions, presented options such as chicken pizza wraps, stir-fry with different bases, and a customisable chicken bowl.

ChatGPT, in contrast, offered more elaborate cooking ideas, such as chicken nuggets with multiple crust coatings.

Creative problem-solving

In a test of creative problem-solving, Axios asked the models for ideas on sustainable city planning for the year 2100. DeepSeek delivered a visionary concept, EcoNova, featuring renewable energy solutions, hyperloop transportation and vertical gardens. Perplexity's DeepSeek provided almost identical details, while ChatGPT’s response was slightly different in its approach but still aligned with the futuristic theme.

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The Axios report said that though overall DeepSeek’s model held up well against AI systems like ChatGPT, its China-hosted version showed limitations in terms of political neutrality.

FAQs

1. What makes DeepSeek different from ChatGPT?
DeepSeek offers similar responses to ChatGPT but reportedly at a lower training cost.

2. Is DeepSeek suitable for users in the US?
While DeepSeek provides strong results for general queries, US users might prefer alternatives like ChatGPT due to its uncensored approach and broader response range, reported Axios.