The world of artificial intelligence has been dominated by centralised systems built by tech giants with enormous financial resources. The recent release of DeepSeek, an open-source AI model from China, however, is showing that open collaboration can compete even with the most well-funded AI projects. As co-founder of the OpenTensor Foundation, Dr. Ala Shaabana points out that DeepSeek has actually established open-source AI as a serious competitor in the industry.
How DeepSeek is Disrupting Centralized AI
DeepSeek has proven the efficiency of building high-performance AI models at a fraction of the price the so-called centralised systems command. DeepSeek is different because it does not require billions of dollars in the development and infrastructure of traditional AI models. So, it fights the doctrine saying that only huge-budget companies are capable of designing cutting-edge AI technology.
This trend has been driven by changes in publishing practice. Now, researchers are more or less compelled to share their code alongside reporting their findings. Increased transparency has accelerated open-source AI, allowing independent developers and researchers to contribute to and improve upon existing models.
Regulatory pressures on centralised AI.
Very glad to see Chinese #AI gaining significant attention at the #TwoSessions. 📸
— Шэнь Миньжуань 沈敏娟 Shen Minjuan (@ChnAmbMongolia) March 4, 2025
From open-source models like #Deepseek to the Global AI Governance Initiative, #China is taking concrete actions to bridge the technology gap and promote sustainable AI development worldwide.🌏 https://t.co/WjEVS8J81S
Global policies on AI are becoming more strict. This is a challenge to centralised AI projects because they often suffer from interstate tensions, data restrictions, and compliance costs. The cases that are not so restrained include open-source AI systems, such as DeepSeek. This may further widen the gap between centralised and decentralised AI and strengthen the open-source movement.
Impact of DeepSeek in the US and Global AI Market.
The release of DeepSeek sent a shockwave down the AI market, even prompting a reaction on stock markets, and US politicians voiced their apprehensions. In fact, the speed at which AI is now being developed in China has even raised national security concerns among several lawmakers. Responding to such apprehensions, Senator Josh Hawley proposed a bill that could curtail AI technology exchange between the US and China. Under the proposed legislation, the government will ban importing AI from China and prohibit US-developed AI tools from reaching the country.
Despite these concerns, DeepSeek’s success proves that open-source AI is no longer just an alternative—it is a formidable force shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
Conclusion
DeepSeek, therefore, not only improves AI but also allows open-source models to compete favourably with any big tech player. As there are more set rules on mainstream AI, probably open and cooperative AI projects could become even stronger. It would be hard to say whether more innovation will pop up or make the world erupt in more fireworks because of DeepSeek, but of one thing—that is for certain: the tide of AI development is changing.
