Users Face Legal and Financial Burdens Under DeepSeek’s Strict Terms of Use

Most of the internet users do not read terms of use. They install the app, press agree, and continue using apps and digital platform. It has become a norm these days. As consumers appears to have no time to check what is written inside. But sometimes, inside the long text, there are words that can change everything. DeepSeek’s terms of use is one example.

This is not usual terms that just set rules for using app. It is more than that. It shifts responsibility in a way that can cost users real money. If user violates terms, it is not only about losing access. It is also about financial responsibility. And not a small one. Legal fees, travel costs, evidence collection expenses, administrative fines. DeepSeek puts all these on the user’s shoulders. But how many people notice this before clicking accept.

Sometimes companies play with terms of use because they know people do not read. Amazon once included strange line in their AWS Service Terms policy. It said that their rules do not apply if zombie apocalypse happens. It was hidden joke inside serious document. But DeepSeek’s terms are not joke. They are serious words with serious effect.

DeepSeek writes clear policy about how they handle rule violations. They decide if user breaks rules. Nobody else. No outside review, no appeal system. If DeepSeek believes user violated terms, they take action. This can mean limiting account, removing content, blocking access, permanently banning user. No warning needed and no explanation required. It is their decision. The AI chatbot platform also have rights to announce it publicly. If they want, they can restore account later. If not, then you've no other options.

Their control does not stop at app usage. If DeepSeek thinks user has done something illegal, they take further steps. They do not only ban you they also keep records and report case to authorities. They cooperate with investigation. What kind of actions are illegal. It is not written clearly. But if DeepSeek believes there is problem, they act immediately.
One of the most concerning part is financial responsibility. If legal problem happens because of user’s actions, DeepSeek does not take responsibility. They put all financial burden on user. If third party makes legal claim against DeepSeek because of something user did, DeepSeek does not pay. Their policy says user must pay. This is not only about fines. It also includes attorney charges, arbitration payments, evidence collection, investigation fees, even DeepSeek’s travel costs for handling case. It is all listed inside terms.

There is one important note inside document. It says no contract can take away consumer rights protected by law. Legal protections that exist in country remain valid. DeepSeek’s terms cannot erase those rights.
Some people may not see this as problem. Some may think it is just another way for company to protect itself. But not everyone agrees. Recently some researchers downloaded DeepSeek to test it, they read the terms. One person said these conditions go too far. Another deleted app immediately.

Most people never check what they are agreeing to. They just press accept and continue using app. But DeepSeek’s terms raise serious question. How much risk is too much for using one app.

Image: Solen Feyissa / Unsplash

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