DeepSeek · DeepSeek Open Source License · View original document ↗

Prohibition on Training Competing AI Models

High severity Medium confidence Explicitdocumentlanguage Rare · 1 of 325 platforms
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This analysis describes what DeepSeek's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology

ConductAtlas Analysis

Why it matters (compliance & governance perspective)

This clause restricts the scope of permitted uses by establishing an exclusivity requirement around model improvement and development. The provision channels all model improvement work derived from DeepSeek's output back to DeepSeek models rather than permitting users to apply learnings to competing or alternative AI systems.

Interpretive note: The scope of 'output' is not precisely defined in the available text, creating ambiguity about whether this covers all forms of model-generated content or only specific output types.

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

Users who accept these terms agree to refrain from using the Model or its outputs as training material or improvement input for non-DeepSeek AI models. This obligation applies regardless of whether the competing model is commercially deployed, internally developed, or research-focused.

How other platforms handle this

Epic Games Medium

Use code or content extracted from the Licensed Products as training input for any Generative AI Program or as prompt-based input where the Generative AI Program trains on input data. "Generative AI Program" means artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, or similar ...

OpenAI Medium

Don't claim to be human when directly and sincerely asked, use AI to deceive people about its fundamental nature, or impersonate real people or organizations in misleading ways.

Runway Medium

You may not use Runway's tools to build or support systems designed for mass surveillance, tracking of individuals without their consent, or the unlawful monitoring of protected groups or activities.

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▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
You shall not use the Model or any output therefrom to develop, train, fine-tune, or otherwise improve any other large language models or AI models other than the DeepSeek models.

— Excerpt from DeepSeek's DeepSeek Open Source License

Applicable regulations

CFAA
United States Federal
Trump Executive Order on AI Policy Framework
US

Provision details

Document information
Document
DeepSeek Open Source License
Entity
DeepSeek
Document last updated
May 11, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
May 11, 2026
Last verified
May 12, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-010578
Document ID
CA-D-00784
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
5a1eeb26edc0314dea0217553f095f223998aa4e03f5f9f3c2df005738ccb28d
Analysis generated
May 11, 2026 12:01 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: DeepSeek
Document: DeepSeek Open Source License
Record ID: CA-P-010578
Captured: 2026-05-11 12:01:12 UTC
SHA-256: 5a1eeb26edc0314d…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/deepseek/deepseek-open-source-license/prohibition-on-training-competing-ai-models/
Accessed: May 20, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
High
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does DeepSeek's Prohibition on Training Competing AI Models clause do?

This clause restricts the scope of permitted uses by establishing an exclusivity requirement around model improvement and development. The provision channels all model improvement work derived from DeepSeek's output back to DeepSeek models rather than permitting users to apply learnings to competing or alternative AI systems.

How does this clause affect you?

Users who accept these terms agree to refrain from using the Model or its outputs as training material or improvement input for non-DeepSeek AI models. This obligation applies regardless of whether the competing model is commercially deployed, internally developed, or research-focused.

How many platforms have this type of clause?

ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 1 platforms. See the full comparison.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with DeepSeek?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by DeepSeek.