Taiwan Bans Government Use of DeepSeek AI Over Security Concerns

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Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs announced on Friday that government departments are prohibited from using DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) service, citing national security risks. The ministry warned that DeepSeek’s operations involve cross-border data transmission, raising concerns about potential information leaks.

Given Beijing’s sovereignty claims over Taiwan and ongoing political and military tensions, Taiwanese authorities remain cautious about Chinese technology. The digital ministry emphasized that it will continue monitoring technological developments and adjust cybersecurity policies as necessary to safeguard national security.

This development follows similar concerns raised internationally. South Korea’s information privacy watchdog has stated plans to question DeepSeek regarding its data handling practices. Meanwhile, regulatory authorities in France, Italy, and Ireland are also examining the company’s use of personal information.

DeepSeek’s rapid rise has sparked global scrutiny. By Monday, its free AI assistant had surpassed OpenAI’s ChatGPT in downloads from Apple’s App Store. The surge in DeepSeek’s popularity coincided with a sharp decline in U.S. tech stocks, leading to a record $593 billion market value loss for Nvidia in a single day.

 

Bitfarms Explores AI Data Center Transition Amid Growing Demand

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anadian bitcoin miner Bitfarms (BITF.TO) is evaluating a potential shift toward artificial intelligence (AI) data centers as demand for high-performance computing (HPC) rises. The Toronto-based company announced on Friday that it has enlisted consulting firms Appleby Strategy Group and World Wide Technology to assess its North American facilities and develop an AI-focused strategy.

Cryptocurrency mining operations possess key assets—large plots of land and substantial power resources—that align with the infrastructure needs of AI data centers. Many miners, including Bitfarms, see an opportunity to capitalize on the AI boom by repurposing some of their facilities. However, critics warn that AI data centers require a higher level of sophistication, making such transitions complex.

The consultants will not only evaluate the feasibility of this pivot but also market Bitfarms’ sites to potential AI customers. This move follows a similar initiative by Riot Platforms (RIOT.O), which recently began reviewing AI and computing applications for parts of its Texas facility.

Bitfarms CEO Ben Gagnon emphasized the financial benefits of diversifying operations, stating that AI and HPC contracts offer “long-term, steady cash flows and earnings streams,” while bitcoin mining continues to provide “flexible upside potential.”

ISS Advises Shareholders to Oppose Virtual AGMs at Siemens

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Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), a prominent proxy advisory firm, has recommended that Siemens shareholders vote against the continuation of virtual annual general meetings (AGMs) in the coming years. The proposal will be put to a vote at Siemens’ AGM on February 13.

Siemens has held virtual AGMs since 2021, but maintaining this practice requires a three-quarters majority approval. ISS, however, has expressed concerns over Siemens’ lack of commitment to reinstating in-person meetings, stating that the company’s justification for virtual-only AGMs is “not convincing.”

According to financial sources, Siemens has reserved the Munich Olympiahalle for 2026, suggesting it is preparing for a potential return to physical meetings if shareholders reject the virtual format. While Siemens has not commented on the booking, a spokesperson defended the digital format, citing “very good experiences” with virtual AGMs.

With ISS opposing the measure, Siemens now faces uncertainty over whether it can secure the necessary votes to continue virtual shareholder meetings beyond this year.