The US government has ordered all civilian agencies to immediately cease using artificial intelligence products from Chinese startup DeepSeek. The directive, issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Monday, requires the removal of the software from all government IT devices.
The ban extends beyond DeepSeek’s own products to include any third-party tools built using the company’s technology. The DHS notice stated that the use of these systems “may result in the transfer of sensitive data to (China) if used by US government employees or vendors.”
Security Concerns and Server Locations
A document attached to the DHS notice described DeepSeek’s models as presenting “multiple threat vectors.” The department highlighted that the company’s servers are located in China, where the legal framework grants the government “extensive authority” to access private company infrastructure.
The DHS has the power to issue binding directions to civilian agencies but cannot mandate actions for the military or intelligence services. The US Department of Defense did not respond to requests for comment regarding the scope of the ban within the armed forces.
The United States has previously accused DeepSeek and other leading Chinese AI firms of systematically stealing the capabilities of cutting-edge models developed by American competitors. This security assessment forms the basis for the current exclusion of the company from federal operations.
DeepSeek’s Rapid Rise and Technical Updates
DeepSeek emerged as a significant competitor in the global AI sector in January 2025. The company introduced a low-cost, high-performance chatbot that challenged prevailing assumptions about US dominance in the field. The firm continued to expand its technical capabilities, releasing a new model known as V4 in April.
Earlier in October, the company updated a faster, more lightweight version of the V4 model. These technical advancements have intensified the race for dominance in the artificial intelligence sector between the two nations.
Despite the fierce competition and recent security restrictions, diplomatic channels remain open. During a meeting at the White House in September, Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump agreed to establish a “communication channel” for AI-related incidents.
The topic of AI regulation and security is expected to be a key agenda item at a summit scheduled for November in Shenzhen, China. Leaders from both countries are anticipated to discuss the ongoing tensions and cooperation frameworks in the technology sector.
Source: The Guardian
