With the surge in popularity, DeepSeek limited user registrations, citing the need to combat
malicious attacks on its system. Users quickly reported receiving notifications stating, “registration may be busy,” leaving many in a lurch as they sought to create accounts and access the service (
The Verge). This limitation of registrations, especially for those with Chinese numbers, introduced a considerable barrier. Many prospective users expressed their frustration on online forums, sharing comments such as, “why can’t I just sign up like everyone else?”.