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Since January 27, 2025, DeepSeek has surpassed ChatGPT on the U.S. iOS App Store, ranking first for three consecutive days. At this time, the platform recently suffered large-scale cyberattacks, primarily from U.S.-based IP addresses. So, DeepSeek has implemented temporary restrictions on new user registrations, particularly for foreign users. As a result, DeepSeek blocks foreign registrations, limiting access to users without a Chinese mainland phone number (+86). Email registration has also been disabled, making it impossible for overseas users to sign up.
Why Did DeepSeek Block Foreign Registrations
The rapid rise of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, has had a significant impact on the global tech industry. After launching its latest AI model, the app surpassed ChatGPT, becoming the most downloaded free AI application. This development triggered volatility in U.S. tech stocks. NVIDIA stock dropped 17 percent in a single day, wiping out approximately 590 billion dollars in market value. Other tech giants such as Broadcom, AMD, and Microsoft also experienced stock declines of varying degrees.
At the same time, almost all well-known figures in the United States are actively searching for issues related to DeepSeek. For example, Tesla CEO Elon Musk acknowledged DeepSeek’s technology but questioned its claimed low costs and resource usage. He suggested that DeepSeek might be using more high-performance GPUs than publicly stated, raising concerns about the effectiveness of U.S. export controls.
Amid this market turbulence, DeepSeek reported that it had suffered large-scale cyberattacks, primarily from U.S.-based hackers. These attacks disrupted the platform’s overseas registration system, forcing DeepSeek to suspend non-Chinese phone number registrations.
This situation shows how DeepSeek’s rise has become a challenge to the dominance of U.S. AI technology, leading to growing concerns in Silicon Valley.
Chinese Companies Join Forces to Counter Cyberattacks: DeepSeek Blocks Foreign Registrations
DeepSeek’s rapid rise to the top of the U.S. iOS App Store has put significant pressure on the U.S. tech industry. In response, Chinese tech companies have stepped in to support DeepSeek, ensuring the security and stability of the platform.
Chinese technology firms have provided assistance, including cybersecurity protection and infrastructure support. 360 Security Technology has offered network security solutions, while Huawei has collaborated with 360 Security to provide a dedicated data center, ensuring the stability of DeepSeek’s services.
Additionally, the Chinese Red Hacker community has mobilized, announcing a coordinated response against cyberattacks originating from the United States. Even during the Chinese New Year holiday, the Red Hacker Alliance has decided to take action, drawing comparisons to the 2001 China-U.S. hacker conflict.
DeepSeek’s Temporary Measures for Foreign Registrations
First, the Chinese mobile phone number to complete registration. Since Chinese mobile phone numbers must be linked to a national ID and undergo real-name verification, this significantly increases the registration threshold, restricting access for non-local users.
Second, the AI risk control system continuously monitors account activity. If it detects abnormal registration patterns, such as rapid account creation within a short time, repeated device fingerprints, or multiple registrations from the same IP, the system may automatically restrict logins or even ban violating accounts. This intelligent monitoring mechanism greatly reduces the risk of malicious attacks while ensuring the security and stability of the platform.
Beyond registration restrictions, the system has also enhanced security measures for login and usage. If an account logs in from an unfamiliar device, frequently changes network environments, or attempts to bypass verification, it may trigger secondary authentication or even temporary account suspension requiring re-verification or manual review. Additionally, server-side monitoring detects suspicious access patterns, and if bot-like bulk operations are identified, the system will intercept such activity to prevent data breaches and unauthorized access.
Why Did DeepSeek Emerge?
On Chinese New Year’s Eve, DeepSeek’s founder, Liang Wenfeng, wrote an article responding to questions from Chinese users. While most people were celebrating the most important holiday of the year, he was still fine-tuning the loss function of a new AI model. Suddenly, his cup of coffee spilled all over the keyboard… This story has been told many times, so I won’t repeat it here.
But what truly matters is this—China has 1.4 billion people, and many of them still live in poverty. Yet, the coders, the engineers, and the minds behind AI are pouring their talent into igniting the flames of technology. They are not driven by profits but by a belief that AI should come at the lowest possible cost to serve those who need it most. They understand that the value of technology is not just about leading the world but about changing the world—ensuring that even the children of rural farmers have access to AI and the future it promises.
This is China’s strength. It is not just about technology; it is about belief. While the global AI race is dominated by capital and corporations, China’s engineers have chosen a different path—to make AI accessible to all, to use technology as a force for change, and to bring the power of AI to every corner of the world.
Conclusion:
As AI competition between China and the United States intensifies, DeepSeek’s emergence has disrupted the global technology landscape. The company has closed a five-year technological gap in less than one year, making an impact beyond AI itself. Its rise is now influencing capital markets, industry trends, and global AI strategies. The global AI race is beginning!
