DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup, is rapidly gaining market share in developing nations, exceeding the popularity of established American AI models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. A recent Microsoft report highlights this trend, revealing that DeepSeek dominates AI usage in several countries – reaching an estimated 56% in Belarus, 49% in Cuba, and 43% in Russia. The company also shows strong performance in Syria, Iran, and several African nations including Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Niger. Within China, DeepSeek commands roughly 89% of the AI market.
Why DeepSeek is Winning Outside of China
Several factors contribute to DeepSeek’s success in the Global South. Restricted access to Western AI platforms in certain regions plays a key role; some nations limit or prohibit use of US-based services. DeepSeek’s presence as the default chatbot on Chinese-made phones from companies like Huawei further drives adoption.
Critically, DeepSeek’s open-source and free-to-use model significantly lowers barriers to entry, particularly in price-sensitive markets. Unlike subscription-based Western alternatives, it provides accessible AI capabilities to millions of users. The platform’s openness also enables developers worldwide to modify and build upon its core engine, fostering innovation and wider reach.
Geopolitical Implications
Microsoft’s report underscores a growing concern: DeepSeek’s expansion isn’t just a commercial success; it’s a geopolitical tool. By filling gaps left by Western platforms, DeepSeek extends Chinese technological influence into areas where US and European AI companies struggle to operate.
This is reflected in recent bans by some European countries (Italy, Denmark, and the Czech Republic) on government use of DeepSeek models due to data security risks. Belgium has also reportedly halted government officials’ use of the platform as of December.
The AI Divide: North vs. South
While DeepSeek thrives in the Global South, overall AI adoption is growing at nearly twice the rate in the Global North. As of December, global generative AI tool usage had reached 16% of the world’s population, up from 15% the previous quarter. Countries with established digital infrastructure – such as the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, France, and Spain – are leading this growth.
However, a recent OECD survey presents a contrasting perspective: Gen Z users in the Global South are adopting AI at a faster rate than older generations and their Northern counterparts. This suggests a generational shift in AI usage patterns that could reshape the global landscape.
This divide between AI adoption in the Global North and South is widening, creating a risk of further technological inequality.
The rise of DeepSeek highlights that global AI adoption is driven as much by access and availability as by technical superiority. This trend underscores the need for equitable AI distribution and raises questions about the future of technological influence in a fragmented world.
