Tencent's Weixin app launches DeepSeek search in beta test

WeChat not part of testing; Baidu links search engine to AI startup

DeepSeek is being tested by Tencent's Weixin messaging app, which serves domestic users, not its sister app WeChat, which targets overseas users. © Reuters

February 16, 2025 20:51 JST

Updated on February 17, 2025 00:15 JST

HONG KONG/SHANGHAI (Reuters) -- Tencent said on Sunday its Weixin messaging app, China's largest, is allowing some users to search via DeepSeek's artificial intelligence model as firms race to link up with the AI startup.

In a beta test, Weixin is testing access to DeepSeek for searches, Tencent said in a statement to Reuters.