WeChat Integrates DeepSeek Search Function: A Blessing or a Curse

Combined image of WeChat and DeepSeek logos (AI-generated image)

[Peopel News] This Sunday, the topic of WeChat testing AI search integration with DeepSeek surged on Weibo’s trending list. The “WeChat + DeepSeek Power Combo” quickly sparked heated discussions among netizens.

What exactly happened? It turns out that an IT blogger discovered that some users of Tencent’s WeChat can now use DeepSeek-R1’s deep thinking feature by selecting AI search in the WeChat search bar. Tencent later confirmed this information to Reuters via email. However, similar to the differentiation between Douyin and TikTok, users of the overseas version of WeChat currently cannot access this feature.

Free Asia Radio reporters reviewed comments on the trending topic “WeChat + DeepSeek Power Combo” and found that most netizens appeared to be casual observers, as AI advancements seem far removed from everyday concerns like housing loans and job pressures. However, some “professionals” among netizens offered suggestions, saying that DeepSeek’s technical capabilities are still too weak and recommending integrating the U.S.-developed AI model ChatGPT to enhance the feature. Others warned: “It’s hard to say if the WeChat-DeepSeek combo is truly a power move, but people should be more cautious about what they say from now on.”

So, where exactly are the boundaries for data collection in WeChat’s AI search function? Will DeepSeek’s AI search use personal information from WeChat Moments or chats? Tencent has not provided a clear answer. According to Chinese media outlet Caixin, Tencent’s Sunday response regarding WeChat’s integration with DeepSeek stated that the data sources are based on both public account content within the WeChat ecosystem and content from across the entire internet.

Observers have noted that in China, everything from using internet-connected SIM cards to creating social media accounts, bank accounts, and posting comments is subject to real-name registration. How will the public react to Tencent’s explanation of “WeChat ecosystem” and “internet-wide content”?

Regarding the potential societal impact of AI in China, a software developer named Mr. Wu from Silicon Valley previously told Free Asia Radio that ordinary citizens might experience a boost in “nationalistic sentiment,” but the benefits for the Chinese government will be far greater. “Integrating DeepSeek will make China’s current grid-based management system even more refined and efficient,” Wu said. 

(Excerpted from Free Asia Radio)