The UK government has reaffirmed its commitment to national security and public service oversight as it monitors developments in artificial intelligence, particularly the rise of the Chinese-developed app by DeepSeek.

Dave Pares, spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stated on Jan. 28 that the government is closely monitoring the impact of new technologies, including DeepSeek’s mobile app.

The app has rapidly climbed to the top of the App Store in the US since its launch earlier this month.

Pares highlighted that the UK enforces strict regulations regarding technology use, including limitations on apps permitted on government devices.

He also noted the country’s strong data protection laws, applicable to all firms, with potential penalties for non-compliance.

Questions surrounding the safety and implications of DeepSeek’s technology have been directed to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.