Italy Opens Probe into AI Firm DeepSeek Over Hallucination Risks
In a move to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, Italy’s antitrust body has launched an investigation into Chinese AI firm DeepSeek for allegedly failing to warn users about the risk of “hallucinations” in its AI-produced content. Hallucinations refer to situations where the AI model generates inaccurate, misleading, or fabricated information in response to user inputs. The investigation is a significant step towards addressing the growing concerns about the reliability and accuracy of AI-generated content.
DeepSeek, a leading AI-powered content generation platform, has been under scrutiny for its alleged failure to disclose the risks associated with its AI-generated content to users. The company’s AI models are designed to generate human-like content, including text, images, and videos, in response to user inputs. However, the investigation suggests that DeepSeek may have been generating inaccurate or misleading information, which could potentially harm users.
According to the investigation, DeepSeek’s AI models have been known to produce hallucinations, which could lead to users making informed decisions based on inaccurate information. This is particularly concerning in fields such as healthcare, finance, and education, where accurate information is critical to making informed decisions. The investigation is aimed at determining whether DeepSeek has violated Italy’s transparency law, which requires companies to disclose any potential risks associated with their products or services.
If found guilty, DeepSeek could be fined up to €20 million or 4% of its global annual turnover, whichever is higher. This is a significant penalty that could have a significant impact on the company’s financials and reputation. The investigation is also a warning to other AI companies operating in Italy to ensure that they comply with the country’s transparency laws and regulations.
The Italian antitrust body’s investigation into DeepSeek is a significant development in the ongoing debate about the use of AI technology. As AI technology continues to evolve and become more integrated into our daily lives, it is essential that companies are held accountable for the accuracy and reliability of their AI-generated content.
DeepSeek’s alleged failure to disclose the risks associated with its AI-generated content is not an isolated incident. There have been several high-profile cases of AI-generated content being used to spread misinformation and disinformation. In 2020, a study by the University of California, Berkeley, found that AI-generated content was being used to spread false information about COVID-19, including claims that the virus was caused by 5G networks.
The use of AI-generated content to spread misinformation and disinformation is a significant concern, as it can have serious consequences for individuals, communities, and society as a whole. It is essential that companies are held accountable for the accuracy and reliability of their AI-generated content and that users are informed about the potential risks associated with using AI-powered products and services.
The Italian antitrust body’s investigation into DeepSeek is a significant step towards addressing the growing concerns about the use of AI technology. It is essential that companies are held accountable for the accuracy and reliability of their AI-generated content and that users are informed about the potential risks associated with using AI-powered products and services.
In conclusion, the Italian antitrust body’s investigation into DeepSeek over allegations of failing to warn users about hallucination risks in its AI-generated content is a significant development in the ongoing debate about the use of AI technology. The investigation highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the use of AI technology and serves as a warning to other companies operating in Italy to ensure that they comply with the country’s transparency laws and regulations.
Source:
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/italy-regulator-opens-probe-into-chinas-deepseek-2025-06-16/
