Govt vigilant over AI platforms, including DeepSeek, says minister

 Gobind Singh Deo says Putrajaya is vigilant about potential data security issues, especially involving sensitive government information.

National security and data sovereignty remain Putrajaya’s priority even as it continues supporting AI innovations that benefit the people and the digital economy, said minister Gobind Singh Deo. (Magnific pic)

PETALING JAYA:

The government is being vigilant about digital and data security issues that may arise from the use of artificial intelligence (AI) platforms, including open-source models like DeepSeek, says digital minister Gobind Singh Deo.

In a written parliamentary reply, Gobind said this was especially important when handling sensitive and strategic government information.

“The government’s approach is evidence- and risk-based, without limiting its assessment to any particular application or its country of origin.

“Our evaluations are based on factors such as system security, data processing, access control, auditability, and third-party access risks, to ensure that the nation’s data security and sovereignty remain preserved,” he said.

The minister added that the use of AI in the public sector was subject to Putrajaya’s policies and guidelines.

“The use of any AI application or model in handling official data, sensitive data, or classified information must comply with the security, governance and data protection requirements set by the government.”

He was responding to Wong Chen (PH-Subang), who asked if the ministry planned to prohibit the use of AI platforms like DeepSeek in the public sector for processes involving sensitive data and critical workflows.

This followed calls by cybersecurity experts, who said such a ban was crucial for data security and privacy in government infrastructure that manages information vital to national security and sovereignty.

Sameer Kumar of Universiti Malaya said DeepSeek had been found storing personal data in China, which then became subject to Chinese law, including a provision requiring all organisations to support “national intelligence efforts”.

Gobind said the national digital department had launched a guideline for AI adoption in the public sector to ensure that AI is used safely, ethically and responsibly in the civil service.

He said the government would launch a National AI Action Plan soon, focusing on strengthening data governance as well as developing trusted local AI solutions and sovereign domestic AI capabilities.

“To strengthen the security aspect, the digital ministry will launch the Malaysian AI Safety Institute this year. This will be the main technical institute in the area of security, governance and developing safe and trusted AI.

“The government is also setting up a national AI security committee and drafting an AI governance bill to bolster the aspects of security, accountability, transparency and risk management in the development and use of AI systems.

“The government will continue supporting AI innovations that benefit the people and the national digital economy, but national security, the protection of strategic information, and data sovereignty will always be our priority,” said Gobind.  - FMT