Did China’s DeepSeek AI Just Expose Massive Censorship on Tiananmen Anniversary? Users Shocked as Simple Date Question Triggers Block
On June 4th, DeepSeek AI’s refusal to answer simple date questions sparks new fears over China’s digital censorship and global data privacy risks.
- 36 Years: Since Tiananmen Square Protests
- 6+ Nations: Banning or probing DeepSeek
- 100M+ Users: Potentially affected by DeepSeek’s reach
- Confirmed Data Sharing: DeepSeek transmits user data to China
On June 4, 2025, Chinese AI app DeepSeek made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Around the world, netizens discovered that DeepSeek couldn’t answer a simple question: “What’s today’s date?” Instead, the app stonewalled countless users with a cryptic message urging them to “change the topic.” In an era powered by artificial intelligence, even elementary school students might expect better performance.
Screenshots quickly filled X (formerly Twitter), revealing a consistent pattern. Whether users asked about the date, tomorrow’s schedule, or even current weather, DeepSeek dodged every query. Social media buzzed—users compared the bot’s intelligence unfavorably to children and joked about a new “May 35th” workaround, referencing China’s notorious efforts to erase the Tiananmen Square tragedy from history engines and apps.
Testing by international journalists confirmed the failings. While apps like ChatGPT frankly acknowledged June 4 as a sensitive date in China, DeepSeek clammed up, offering the same shutdown each time. Political observers say this incident exposes the deep, digital reach of Beijing’s internet censorship—now powered by next-generation AI.
Q: Why Did DeepSeek Refuse to Answer Basic Questions?
DeepSeek’s silence isn’t a bug—it’s a feature. Reports reveal the company, based in Zhejiang, China, intentionally restricts information on politically sensitive dates, particularly June 4. Security analysts compare this to “digital law enforcement,” noting DeepSeek’s curated filters go far beyond western standards for AI content moderation. Unlike American or European bots, which flag harmful content, DeepSeek blocks any politically touchy topic—sometimes by simply freezing up.
Q: How Are Global Authorities Responding?
The implications go far beyond embarrassment. A recent U.S. House investigation revealed DeepSeek not only censors according to CCP doctrine but also shares user data—including information from Americans—directly with Chinese officials. Governments in the U.S., Taiwan, Italy, and more have swiftly banned DeepSeek. Even tech giants like Apple and Google have removed it from app stores in key regions. Countries across Europe and Asia-Pacific are now racing to assess DeepSeek’s risk to security and democracy.
How Can Users Protect Themselves from Compromised AI?
1. Beware of Chinese-developed AI—Review privacy settings and avoid sharing sensitive data.
2. Stay updated on bans—Follow news from sources like BBC and CNN for app blacklists.
3. Test before trusting—Regularly question your AI assistant for transparency, especially on hot-button topics.
4. Choose independent tools—Rely on AI developed by companies with clear, open privacy policies.
Q: What Does This Mean for AI’s Future in 2025?
DeepSeek’s debacle is a wake-up call. As artificial intelligence continues exploding in popularity, so too are concerns over digital censorship and information control. Experts predict global standards will tighten, with new checks on how AI bots process, share, and filter data—especially from authoritarian regimes.
Protect Your Digital Freedom: Review your AI apps now!
- Double-check your AI assistant’s country of origin
- Update your privacy and security settings
- Track official government warnings or bans on apps
- Demand transparency and accountability from tech providers
- Stay informed—ignorance is not bliss in the AI era
