DeepSeek vs. OpenAI: What You Need to Know About Their Privacy Policies

As someone navigating the world of artificial intelligence—whether you’re a professional exploring new tools, an entrepreneur looking to innovate, or just curious about how AI can make your life easier—understanding how your data is handled is more important than ever. When you use platforms like DeepSeek or OpenAI, you’re entrusting them with a lot of personal and potentially sensitive information. So how do they handle it, and which one might be the better fit for your needs?

I’ve taken a deep dive into both DeepSeek’s and OpenAI’s privacy policies, breaking them down into the most important factors for people like you and me: how they collect and use data, what rights they give us over our information, how they protect it, and how transparent they are about it. Let’s walk through what I found so you can make an informed choice.

1. What Data Do They Collect?

Winner: Tie

When you sign up for an AI service, you’re sharing a lot more than just your name and email address. Both DeepSeek and OpenAI collect information to operate their platforms, but the specifics vary.

• DeepSeek collects:

  • Account details (like email, username, and date of birth).

  • Inputs you provide—things like chat prompts, feedback, or files you upload.

  • Technical data, including your IP address, cookies, and device info.

• OpenAI collects:

  • Similar account details (name, email, date of birth, and payment information).

  • Your chat inputs and outputs (what you type and what the AI generates).

  • Device and location data, plus cookies and browsing preferences.

  • Data from external partners, such as marketing vendors or publicly available information.

Here’s the key takeaway: Both platforms collect similar information to run their services, but OpenAI goes a bit further by pulling in data from third parties. While DeepSeek focuses more on service-specific data, OpenAI's wider collection might benefit users looking for advanced personalization.

2. How Do They Use Your Data?

Winner: OpenAI

This is a big one: how are these platforms using what they collect? Are they just running their services, or is your data being fed back into their AI models?

• DeepSeek’s use of data:
  DeepSeek uses your data to improve its services, train its AI models, ensure security, and comply with legal requirements. However, they don’t explicitly give you the option to opt out of having your data used for training purposes.

• OpenAI’s use of data:
  OpenAI also uses your data for improving its services, training models, and ensuring security. But here’s the difference: they let you opt out of having your data used for model training. This gives you more control, especially if you’re dealing with sensitive or proprietary information.

What this means for you: OpenAI gives you greater flexibility, especially if you want control over how your data is used. For entrepreneurs and professionals, this level of customization is a huge advantage.

3. How Long Do They Keep Your Data?

Winner: OpenAI

Neither platform keeps your data forever, but OpenAI offers a bit more clarity on their timelines.

• DeepSeek:
  DeepSeek says they’ll keep your data as long as necessary to provide their services or comply with legal requirements. But they don’t provide specific timeframes.

• OpenAI:
  OpenAI retains data for specific periods depending on its purpose. For example, temporary chats are stored for 30 days before being deleted. They also take into account the sensitivity of the data and the risks associated with keeping it longer.

Here’s the deal: OpenAI’s clear timelines for data retention provide peace of mind, especially for users who don’t want their data lingering longer than necessary.

4. What Rights Do You Have Over Your Data?

Winner: OpenAI

I don’t know about you, but I want control over my own information—especially when it’s being used by AI platforms. Let’s see how DeepSeek and OpenAI stack up here.

• DeepSeek:
  You can access, update, and delete your data by contacting their support team. That’s pretty standard, but DeepSeek doesn’t offer a way to opt out of having your data used for AI training.

• OpenAI:
  OpenAI gives you access to your data, lets you correct or delete it, and even allows you to opt out of training. Plus, they offer an easy-to-use privacy portal for managing these settings.

Why this matters: OpenAI’s comprehensive data rights, combined with tools for managing them, give it a big edge here. It’s perfect for users who value transparency and control.

5. Is Your Data Secure?

Winner: Tie

Both platforms use standard security measures, but they’re upfront about the risks of online data storage.

• DeepSeek:
  DeepSeek encrypts data and uses technical safeguards to protect it. However, they remind users to exercise caution when sharing information, especially via email.

• OpenAI:
  OpenAI also follows industry standards, describing their approach as “commercially reasonable.” They’re clear about the inherent risks of transmitting data online, which is a good reminder to all of us to avoid sharing anything overly sensitive.

Bottom line: Both platforms take security seriously and are transparent about limitations, making them equally matched here.

6. Where Is Your Data Stored?

Winner: OpenAI

Data storage locations can impact how your data is regulated and protected, especially if you’re operating across borders.

• DeepSeek:
  Data is stored on secure servers in China and complies with Chinese regulations. Cross-border data transfers follow China’s legal framework, which might feel restrictive to international users.

• OpenAI:
  OpenAI stores data in the United States and other jurisdictions, applying consistent privacy protections globally. They align with internationally recognized standards like GDPR.

What this means for you: OpenAI’s global compliance framework and international data storage protections make it the better choice for global users or anyone concerned about cross-border data safety.

7. What About Kids Using These Platforms?

Winner: Tie

If you’re a parent or educator, knowing how these platforms handle age restrictions is crucial.

• DeepSeek:
  Prohibits users under 14. Teens aged 14–18 need consent from a parent or guardian.

• OpenAI:
  Prohibits users under 13 and allows users aged 13–18 to use the platform with parental consent.

The takeaway: Both platforms take steps to protect minors. DeepSeek’s higher age threshold (14+) may offer slightly stricter protections, but both are aligned with standard practices for safeguarding younger users.

8. How Transparent Are They About Updates?

Winner: OpenAI

When privacy policies change, you don’t want to be left in the dark.

• DeepSeek:
  Updates are communicated via the “Last Updated” date or website notices. It’s on users to regularly check for changes.

• OpenAI:
  OpenAI notifies users via email or in-product alerts for significant updates. They also give at least 30 days’ notice for changes that could negatively impact users.

Why it matters: OpenAI’s proactive notification system ensures you won’t miss important changes, making it the clear winner for transparency.

Overall Winner: OpenAI

OpenAI emerges as the overall winner for most users, especially professionals, entrepreneurs, and consumers who prioritize transparency, global compliance, and control over their data.

Here’s why OpenAI takes the lead:

1. Opt-Out for AI Training: OpenAI allows users to opt out of having their data used to train AI models, offering more control—a feature DeepSeek does not provide.

2. Transparency: OpenAI communicates policy updates proactively with 30 days’ notice for significant changes, ensuring users stay informed.

3. Global Compliance: OpenAI applies internationally recognized privacy standards like GDPR, making it ideal for users across diverse regions.

4. Data Retention Clarity: OpenAI provides clear timelines (e.g., temporary chat data stored for 30 days), while DeepSeek lacks specificity.

5. Ease of Data Management: OpenAI’s privacy portal makes it easier for users to access, update, or delete their data.

Which Platform Is Right for You?

• Choose DeepSeek if you’re based in China or need a platform that strictly adheres to Chinese regulations. It’s a solid choice for localized operations.

• Choose OpenAI if you want more control over your data, global compliance, and a transparent approach to privacy. The opt-out feature for model training makes it especially appealing for businesses and professionals.

Final Thoughts

AI is transforming how we live and work, but with great power comes great responsibility—especially when it comes to protecting your data. Whether you choose DeepSeek or OpenAI depends on what you value most: regulatory alignment, user control, or transparency.

For me, OpenAI’s clear opt-out options, global compliance, and transparency around updates make it the better choice for most professionals and entrepreneurs. But if you’re working in China or need to comply with local data laws, DeepSeek is a strong option.

In the end, choosing an AI platform isn’t just about features—it’s about trust. Take a close look at your own privacy needs, and you’ll know which platform is the right one for you.