Does DeepSeek train on your data?
DeepSeek · AI chat assistant · official site ↗
Trains by defaultNo zero-retention optionOpt-out available
Does DeepSeek train its models on your data?
Yes — DeepSeek trains on your data by default; you have to opt out.
DeepSeek collects your inputs and may use them to train and improve its models by default, with data stored on servers in China; an opt-out toggle now exists but retention is open-ended.
Can you opt out?
Open the left sidebar → three dots by your name → Settings → Data tab, and disable "Improve the model for everyone." This was added reactively (the launch product had no opt-out). To stop the model learning from data shared before you toggled off, you must email privacy@deepseek.com specifying the chats; disabling does not delete historical data.
Zero retention / DPA
No zero-data-retention option. DeepSeek retains personal data (including inputs) for as long as your account exists and longer for legal/security reasons, with no fixed deletion schedule. Data is processed and stored in the People's Republic of China, subject to Chinese law.
What the listicles get wrong
The angle most listicles miss is data residency: your prompts are stored in China and subject to Chinese law, regardless of the training toggle. The opt-out was retrofitted in 2025 and is narrow — it stops the described model-improvement use only, does not delete already-collected data, and does not stop retention for security, legal or service purposes.
Verdict by plan tier
DeepSeek consumer app / webTrains unless you opt outInputs and outputs may be used to develop and improve the service and for foundation-model training by default; opt out via "Improve the model for everyone."
Is DeepSeek HIPAA compliant? Does it sign a BAA?
No BAANo PHI
HIPAA Business Associate Agreement
No BAA
DeepSeek publishes no HIPAA BAA and offers no HIPAA-compliant tier; data is stored in the People's Republic of China and the product carries no compliance or transparency guarantees for healthcare use.
Can you put PHI in DeepSeek?
Do not use DeepSeek with PHI — no BAA is offered, data is stored in China, and it is not HIPAA-ready.
https://cdn.deepseek.com/policies/en-US/deepseek-privacy-policy.html
https://www.hathr.ai/blogs/deepseek-ai-is-dangerous-for-healthcare
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Frequently asked questions
Does DeepSeek train its AI models on my data?
Yes — DeepSeek trains on your data by default; you have to opt out. DeepSeek collects your inputs and may use them to train and improve its models by default, with data stored on servers in China; an opt-out toggle now exists but retention is open-ended.
Can I opt out of DeepSeek training on my data?
Open the left sidebar → three dots by your name → Settings → Data tab, and disable "Improve the model for everyone." This was added reactively (the launch product had no opt-out). To stop the model learning from data shared before you toggled off, you must email privacy@deepseek.com specifying the chats; disabling does not delete historical data.
Does DeepSeek offer zero data retention (ZDR) or a DPA?
No zero-data-retention option. DeepSeek retains personal data (including inputs) for as long as your account exists and longer for legal/security reasons, with no fixed deletion schedule. Data is processed and stored in the People's Republic of China, subject to Chinese law.
Is DeepSeek safe to use with confidential or proprietary data?
It depends on your plan tier. DeepSeek consumer app / web: Inputs and outputs may be used to develop and improve the service and for foundation-model training by default; opt out via "Improve the model for everyone." Always confirm current terms with DeepSeek before sending confidential data — this is cited public information, not legal advice.
Is DeepSeek HIPAA compliant? Does it sign a BAA?
No BAA. DeepSeek publishes no HIPAA BAA and offers no HIPAA-compliant tier; data is stored in the People's Republic of China and the product carries no compliance or transparency guarantees for healthcare use. Confirm a current BAA directly with DeepSeek before sending PHI — this is cited public information, not legal or compliance advice.
Can I put PHI (protected health information) in DeepSeek?
No PHI. Do not use DeepSeek with PHI — no BAA is offered, data is stored in China, and it is not HIPAA-ready.
Sources
https://cdn.deepseek.com/policies/en-US/deepseek-privacy-policy.html
https://cdn.deepseek.com/policies/en-US/deepseek-terms-of-use.html
This page is cited public information, not legal or compliance advice. Whether DeepSeek trains on your data, and any zero-retention or DPA option, can depend on your specific plan, region and contract. Always confirm current terms with DeepSeek before sending confidential or proprietary data.