DeepSeek: A Powerful AI Tool for Education - But is it Too Risky?

Unpacking its benefits, risks, and what educators need to know.

Welcome to this week’s edition of The AI School Librarians Newsletter! This time, we’re diving into one of the most talked-about AI tools in education: DeepSeek.

On the surface, DeepSeek seems like a game-changer—a free, open-source AI model with capabilities that rival ChatGPT and Gemini. Teachers, librarians, and students are beginning to explore how it can help with research, lesson planning, and academic support. However, as with any powerful technology, there are ethical and security concerns to consider.

In this issue, we’ll take a deep dive into how DeepSeek works, how it can be used in schools and libraries, and what privacy and censorship risks educators need to be aware of before adopting it. Plus, our AI Reading Corner features three must-read articles about how DeepSeek is being used in education and research.

Let’s explore the opportunities and challenges of this fast-growing AI tool!

GoogleLM Deep Dive:

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AI Tool of the Week: DeepSeek

If you haven’t heard of DeepSeek, it’s quickly becoming one of the most talked-about AI tools in education. This powerful, free, and open-source AI model is a compelling alternative to ChatGPT and Gemini, and it’s being used by teachers, librarians, and students for research, lesson planning, and academic support. But while its benefits are impressive, recent reports have also raised serious ethical and security concerns that educators should be aware of.

What is DeepSeek?

DeepSeek is an AI-powered assistant designed to process and generate text, making research, content creation, and tutoring easier. Unlike other AI models that require subscriptions, DeepSeek is open-source, meaning it’s free to use, can be customized, and has fewer restrictions than commercial AI tools.

How Can DeepSeek Help Teachers, Librarians, and Students?

✅ Quick Research Help – Librarians can use DeepSeek to find sources, summarize articles, and answer questions faster.
✅ Lesson Planning Made Easy – Teachers can generate quizzes, lesson plans, and worksheets in seconds.
✅ Tutoring & Study Support – Students can get clear explanations for math, science, and literature topics just like having a personal tutor.
✅ Writing & Language Learning – DeepSeek can help with essays, improve writing, and assist in learning new languages.

Why is DeepSeek So Popular?

DeepSeek is gaining popularity because it’s powerful, free, and efficient. The newest version, DeepSeek-R1, is one of the largest AI models, competing with ChatGPT and Gemini. But what makes it unique is that it doesn’t require a subscription, making it a great option for schools and libraries that need AI without extra costs.

How To Use DeepSeek AI For Research:

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AI Ethics Corner: The Privacy & Security Concerns of DeepSeek

Despite its benefits, DeepSeek’s rise has sparked serious ethical and security concerns, especially for schools and libraries. A recent investigation by Wired revealed troubling issues related to data privacy, censorship, and security risks.

Privacy Risks: Where Does Your Data Go?

DeepSeek’s AI assistant sends user data, including chat history and uploaded files, to servers in China, according to Wired. This is concerning because unlike AI tools based in the U.S. or Europe, Chinese regulations allow government access to stored data. If students and educators are using DeepSeek for research, their data could be at risk.

Censorship & Academic Freedom

AI models reflect the priorities of their creators, and DeepSeek appears to filter or block discussions on politically sensitive topics. This could mean that certain historical events, political discussions, or viewpoints may be restricted when using DeepSeek.

For librarians and educators who advocate for open access to information, this raises major concerns about intellectual freedom. If an AI tool alters or censors information, it could affect research accuracy and limit open discussion in the classroom.

Security Concerns & National Scrutiny

DeepSeek has also caught the attention of U.S. government agencies, with security experts warning that it could pose a national security risk. Schools, universities, and institutions handling sensitive data should be cautious before integrating it into their learning environments.

🔗 Read the full Wired investigation here: DeepSeek’s Popular AI App Is Explicitly Sending US Data to China.

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AI Reading Corner: DeepSeek & Education

Want to learn more about how DeepSeek is being used in classrooms, libraries, and research? Here are three must-read articles this week:

"How Teachers Can Use DeepSeek: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)"
This guide offers practical ways educators can integrate DeepSeek into teaching—lesson planning, study materials, grading, and even special education support. A must-read for teachers looking to make AI work for them.
🔗 Read it here

"Scientists Flock to DeepSeek: How They're Using the Blockbuster AI" (Nature)
Researchers are already putting DeepSeek to the test in math, cognitive science, and AI-assisted research. This article dives into why academics are paying attention to this powerful model.
🔗 Read it here

"Rise of DeepSeek: Experts Weigh in on the Disruptive Impact of New Chinese Open-Source AI Model" (Rice University News)
AI experts discuss how DeepSeek compares to Western AI models, what it means for the future of education, and whether its low-cost, high-performance approach could change the AI landscape.
🔗 Read it here

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Final Thoughts: Should Educators Use DeepSeek?

DeepSeek is an exciting and powerful AI tool, but its privacy policies, censorship practices, and security concerns mean educators need to proceed with caution. Before using it in schools or libraries, consider:
🔹 Where is your data going?
🔹 Is information being filtered or censored?
🔹 Are there safer AI tools available?

While DeepSeek offers many benefits, educators must balance its usefulness with the potential risks.

Would you use DeepSeek in your classroom or library? Reply and let me know your thoughts!