Privacy Concerns with LLM Models (and DeepSeek in particular)

There have been growing concerns about privacy when it comes to using AI models like DeepSeek, and these concerns are valid. To help clarify, here's a quick ranking of privacy levels for using LLMs based on their setup:

  1. Running open-source models on your personal server (10/10)
    • Full control over your data. The safest option for privacy.
  2. Direct use of APIs or platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, etc. (8/10)
    • These are generally secure but still involve sending your data to a third party.
  3. Using intermediary platforms, which utilize APIs (6/10)
    1. Adds an extra layer of potential data exposure due to intermediary platforms.
  4. DeepSeek (1/10)
    • Significant concerns exist about data misuse. Not only are your chats not private, but the lack of strong data privacy laws in the country where this platform originates raises red flags. Given past examples, there's a high risk of your data being misused.

Choose your LLM solution based on how much privacy you need. Be especially cautious with services like DeepSeek, as they might handle your data irresponsibly or expose it to misuse.

What’s your take on this ranking? Do you agree, or do you think some of these should be rated differently? I’d love to hear your thoughts!