United States Bans DeepSeek on Federal Devices

In a significant move to protect national security and sensitive information, the U.S. Department of Commerce has implemented a ban on the use of DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence model, on government-issued devices.

This decision, revealed through internal communications obtained by Reuters, marks a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to safeguard American technological interests and data privacy.

The ban, which was communicated to Commerce Department staff in recent weeks, explicitly prohibits the download, viewing, or accessing of any applications, desktop apps, or websites related to DeepSeek on government-furnished equipment (GFE).

The directive emphasizes the need to maintain the security of the department's information systems, highlighting the perceived threat posed by the Chinese-based AI tool.

This action comes in the wake of DeepSeek's disruptive entry into the global AI market. The company's introduction of low-cost AI models in January 2025 triggered a substantial selloff in global equity markets, as investors grappled with concerns over the potential threat to the United States' leadership in artificial intelligence. The ripple effects of this market reaction have now manifested in concrete policy decisions at the federal level.

The ban on DeepSeek is not an isolated incident but part of a broader trend of increasing scrutiny of Chinese technology in the United States.

Congressmen Josh Gottheimer and Darin LaHood, both members of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, have been at the forefront of these efforts.

In February, they introduced legislation aimed at banning DeepSeek on government devices and have since urged state governors to implement similar prohibitions on government-issued equipment.

The lawmakers' concerns center on the potential for inadvertent sharing of sensitive information with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In a letter dated March 3, they warned that users of DeepSeek might unknowingly expose highly sensitive and proprietary information, including contracts, documents, and financial records, to a foreign adversary.

The movement against DeepSeek has gained traction beyond federal circles, with several states, including Virginia, Texas, and New York, already implementing bans on the AI model's use on government devices.

Furthermore, a coalition of 21 state attorneys general has called upon Congress to enact legislation addressing this issue, underscoring the widespread concern about the potential security risks associated with Chinese AI technologies.

As the situation continues to evolve, the full extent of the ban across the U.S. government remains unclear. However, this decisive action by the Commerce Department may set a precedent for other federal agencies to follow suit, potentially leading to a comprehensive government-wide prohibition on DeepSeek and similar Chinese AI tools.

This development represents a critical juncture in the ongoing technological and geopolitical competition between the United States and China, particularly in the rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence.

As both nations strive for dominance in this crucial sector, the balance between innovation, economic interests, and national security concerns remains a delicate and contentious issue.