
You’ve heard it like the rest of us: Deepseek is causing a massive stir in the AI waters. Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has launched an AI model that rivals OpenAI’s ChatGPT, leading to significant disruptions in global markets and raising national security concerns. Australia’s Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, has advised citizens to exercise caution when using DeepSeek’s services (reuters.com).
So comes the big debate: which is better? We’re heavy users of Claude at AICodex so we’re be throwing in some Deepseek vs Claude as well.
The interface of DeepSeek is remarkably similar to ChatGPT, making the learning curve almost nonexistent. Adapting to DeepSeek felt intuitive and quick—perfect for anyone already familiar with AI chat platforms.
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A Minor Hiccup
That said, I did run into a small issue during the login process. After a few attempts, I didn’t receive the verification code needed to access my account. To be fair, the site does include a disclaimer mentioning that it has been under malicious attacks recently, which might explain the delay.
What Worked?
Thankfully, logging in with Google was a successful alternative. It got me up and running in no time. That said, I’d love to see more login options in the future—like TikTok, for example!.

How Deepseek Compares
DeepSeek does differentiate itself from models like ChatGPT and Claude in several ways, particularly in terms of environmental impact, cost-efficiency, and accessibility. Here’s an objective breakdown of what makes DeepSeek different, from various sources:
1. Environmental Impact
- Energy Efficiency: DeepSeek is designed to optimize computational resources by using efficient algorithms, smaller model sizes, and focused task-specific training, reducing the energy consumption required for training and running the model. This makes it more environmentally friendly compared to larger models like GPT-4, which require significant computational power. It can run efficiently on less powerful hardware, further lowering energy usage.
- Smaller Footprint: By focusing on efficiency, DeepSeek minimizes its carbon footprint, which is a growing concern in the AI industry. While exact figures depend on usage and deployment, smaller models like DeepSeek can reduce energy consumption by up to 90% compared to larger models like GPT-4. For example: Training a large model like GPT-4 can emit hundreds of metric tons of CO₂. In contrast, a smaller, optimized model like DeepSeek might emit only a fraction of that, depending on scale and usage.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
- Lower Operational Costs: DeepSeek’s efficient design translates to lower costs for both developers and end-users. This makes it more accessible to individuals, small businesses, and organizations with limited budgets.
- Affordable API Pricing: If DeepSeek offers an API, it is likely priced more competitively than larger models, making it a practical choice for scalable applications.
3. Accessibility
- Lightweight and Scalable: DeepSeek is designed to run on less powerful hardware, making it accessible to users who may not have access to high-end infrastructure.
- Open and Inclusive: By being cost-effective and environmentally friendly, DeepSeek lowers barriers to entry, enabling more people and organizations to leverage AI technology.
4. Performance
- Focused Use Cases: While DeepSeek may not have the sheer scale of GPT-4 or Claude, it is optimized for specific tasks, delivering high-quality results in those areas. This makes it a strong contender for applications where efficiency and precision are more important than general-purpose capabilities.
- Speed: DeepSeek’s lightweight design often results in faster response times, which is a significant advantage for real-time applications.
- DeepSeek’s models have demonstrated impressive capabilities in various domains, including reasoning, coding, mathematics, and language comprehension. For instance, the DeepSeek LLM 67B Base outperforms Llama2 70B Base in these areas. github.com
- The company’s advancements have also influenced the AI industry economically. Reports indicate that DeepSeek’s efficient and cost-effective model development has led to significant market reactions, including stock declines in major AI-driven companies like Nvidia. investors.com
5. Ethical and Sustainable AI
- DeepSeek’s emphasis on reducing environmental impact aligns with the growing demand for sustainable AI practices. This makes it an attractive choice for users and organizations prioritizing ethical considerations.
- While DeepSeek’s models are lauded for their technical achievements, there are concerns regarding their adherence to specific narratives, particularly in sensitive topics. For example, responses to questions about human rights and geopolitical issues have raised discussions about potential biases. thesun.co.uk
Here is a chat we had about human rights issues currently existing in the world.
Human rights issues remain some of the most pressing and harrowing challenges in the world today. While progress has been made in some areas, many violations persist, often exacerbated by conflict, inequality, and systemic injustices. Here are some of the most critical human rights issues currently affecting the global community:
1. Conflict and War Crimes
- Ukraine: The ongoing war has led to widespread civilian casualties, displacement, and allegations of war crimes, including attacks on civilian infrastructure and alleged mass atrocities.
- Sudan: The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has resulted in mass displacement, sexual violence, and humanitarian crises.
- Myanmar: The military junta continues to commit atrocities against the Rohingya and other ethnic minorities, including mass killings, forced displacement, and systemic repression.
2. Refugee and Migrant Crises
- Millions of people are displaced due to conflict, persecution, and climate change. Refugees often face dangerous journeys, exploitation, and inadequate living conditions in camps.
- The Mediterranean and U.S.-Mexico border remain hotspots for migrant deaths and human rights abuses, including family separations and detention in inhumane conditions.
3. Gender-Based Violence and Discrimination
- Women and girls globally face systemic discrimination, sexual violence, and limited access to education and healthcare. In countries like Afghanistan, the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s rights have severely curtailed their freedoms.
- LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face persecution, violence, and criminalization in many parts of the world, including Uganda, where anti-LGBTQ+ laws have intensified discrimination.
4. Systemic Racism and Police Brutality
- Racial and ethnic minorities in countries like the U.S., Brazil, and South Africa face systemic discrimination, police violence, and unequal access to justice.
- Indigenous communities worldwide continue to fight for land rights, cultural preservation, and protection from exploitation and environmental degradation.
5. Freedom of Expression and Press
- Journalists, activists, and dissidents in countries like China, Russia, Iran, and Turkey face imprisonment, censorship, and violence for speaking out against governments or advocating for human rights.
- Internet shutdowns and surveillance are increasingly used to suppress dissent and control populations.
6. Climate Change and Environmental Injustice
- Climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, particularly in the Global South, leading to displacement, food insecurity, and loss of livelihoods.
- Indigenous peoples and environmental activists are often targeted and killed for defending their lands against exploitative industries.
7. Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
- Forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking remain pervasive, with millions of people trapped in exploitative conditions, often in industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and domestic work.
- Migrant workers in Gulf countries, for example, often face abusive working conditions and lack legal protections.
8. Authoritarianism and Erosion of Democracy
- Many countries are experiencing democratic backsliding, with leaders consolidating power, undermining judicial independence, and suppressing opposition.
- Elections are often marred by violence, fraud, and intimidation, as seen in places like Venezuela and Belarus.
9. Healthcare Inequities
- Access to healthcare remains unequal, with marginalized communities often lacking basic services. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted and exacerbated these disparities.
- In conflict zones, healthcare facilities are frequently targeted, and medical personnel face violence and restrictions.
10. Child Rights Violations
- Children in conflict zones are often recruited as soldiers, subjected to sexual violence, or denied access to education and healthcare.
- Child labor and trafficking remain significant issues, particularly in regions with weak enforcement of labor laws.
Moving Forward
Addressing these issues requires global cooperation, accountability, and sustained advocacy. Key steps include:
- Strengthening international human rights institutions and mechanisms.
- Holding perpetrators of human rights abuses accountable through legal means.
- Supporting grassroots movements and marginalized communities in their fight for justice.
- Addressing root causes like poverty, inequality, and climate change.
While the scale of these challenges can feel overwhelming, collective action and solidarity have historically driven meaningful change. Raising awareness, supporting human rights organizations, and advocating for policy reforms are crucial steps toward a more just and equitable world.
Comparison with ChatGPT and Claude
Feature | DeepSeek | ChatGPT (e.g., GPT-4) | Claude |
---|---|---|---|
Environmental Impact | Lower energy consumption | High energy consumption | Moderate energy consumption |
Cost | More affordable | Expensive | Moderate cost |
Accessibility | Lightweight, runs on modest hardware | Requires high-end infrastructure | Requires moderate infrastructure |
Performance | Optimized for specific tasks | General-purpose, highly versatile | General-purpose, balanced performance |
Ethical Focus | Strong emphasis on sustainability | Less focused on sustainability | Moderate focus on sustainability |
Does Deepseek Agree Its Better?
Objectively, yes, DeepSeek’s focus on environmental sustainability, cost-efficiency, and accessibility makes it a compelling alternative to larger models like ChatGPT and Claude. While it may not match the sheer scale or versatility of GPT-4, it excels in scenarios where efficiency, affordability, and sustainability are prioritised.
I asked the same abstract question from the LLMS. Claude was the most conversational and engaging, which made me think and continue the conversation, in essence, making it an enriching experience.



Interaction Review
- DeepSeek does not automatically assign a title to the chat. However, this is probably a small feature update that can happen very soon. It greatly impacts user experience, which both Claude and ChatGPT offer.
- Every chat on DeepSeek ends with a smiley for me. Having had experience with Chinese apps and content, the little emotive expression makes a lot of sense to me.
- The responses tend to be a bit long on DeepSeek, and I do like the matter-of-fact responses of ChatGPT and conversational and amicable style of Claude. However, thats also something I believe will be attuned to my experience with time.
DeepSeek being open source has significant implications and benefits, both for developers and the broader community. Here’s a breakdown:
Implications of DeepSeek Being Open Source
- Transparency:
- Users can inspect the code, ensuring there are no hidden functionalities or security risks. This builds trust in the system.
- Collaboration:
- Developers worldwide can contribute to improving the model, fixing bugs, and adding new features, accelerating innovation.
- Customization:
- Businesses and individuals can modify the code to suit their specific needs, making it highly adaptable for niche applications.
- Cost Savings:
- Open-source software is typically free to use, reducing the financial barrier for small businesses, startups, and researchers.
- Ethical AI Development:
- Open-source models allow for greater scrutiny, helping to address biases, improve fairness, and ensure ethical use of AI.
Benefits of DeepSeek Being Open Source
- Accessibility:
- Open-source models like DeepSeek democratize access to advanced AI technology, making it available to a wider audience, including those in developing regions.
- Community Support:
- A vibrant community of developers and users can provide support, share best practices, and create tutorials, making it easier for newcomers to adopt the technology.
- Faster Innovation:
- Open-source projects often evolve rapidly due to contributions from a global community, leading to quicker improvements and updates.
- Educational Value:
- Students, researchers, and AI enthusiasts can study the code, learn from it, and experiment with AI development in a hands-on way.
- Interoperability:
- Open-source models can be integrated with other tools and platforms more easily, fostering a more connected and versatile AI ecosystem.
- Security Enhancements:
- With many eyes on the code, vulnerabilities can be identified and patched quickly, making the system more secure over time.
- No Vendor Lock-In:
- Users are not tied to a specific vendor or proprietary system, giving them more control over their AI solutions.
Broader Impact
- Empowering Small Businesses: Small businesses can leverage DeepSeek without the high costs associated with proprietary AI solutions.
- Driving AI Adoption: Open-source models lower barriers to entry, encouraging more industries to adopt AI technologies.
- Promoting Ethical AI: Transparency in open-source projects helps ensure AI systems are developed and used responsibly.
In summary, DeepSeek being open source is a win for innovation, accessibility, and ethical AI development. It empowers users, fosters collaboration, and accelerates the growth of AI technology in a way that benefits everyone. Let me know if you’d like to dive deeper into any of these points!