DeepSeek Paid API Uses Prompts for Training — What OpenClaw Users Need to Know

OpenClaw recently made DeepSeek V4 Flash the default model. However, DeepSeek's official API uses prompts for training — even on paid plans. This contrasts with Western models like Gemini, which logs prompts only on the free AI Studio API, not on the paid API.

Key Differences

• DeepSeek (paid API): prompts are used for training.
• Gemini (AI Studio free): prompts are logged. Gemini (paid API): prompts are not logged.

Implications for OpenClaw Users

If you use OpenClaw to read personal emails, files, or any confidential data, sending that through DeepSeek's official API means those prompts may be retained for model training. To avoid this, use DeepSeek V4 Flash via an alternative provider that guarantees prompt privacy — for example, providers that sign data processing agreements or do not log prompts.

Actionable Advice

• Check your OpenClaw settings: if DeepSeek V4 Flash is the default, confirm which API endpoint is being used.
• If privacy is critical, switch to a model with explicit no-logging policies (e.g., paid Gemini, or Anthropic's API) or run DeepSeek V4 Flash through a third-party host that offers privacy guarantees.
• Review the terms of your API provider regarding training data usage.

This is a stark distinction often overlooked. Treat DeepSeek's API like any other customer-facing training data pipeline — assume your prompts will be ingested.