US Lawmakers push to ban DeepSeek AI on government devices

In a move reflecting growing concerns over national security and data privacy, U.S. lawmakers have introduced bipartisan legislation to ban the use of the Chinese AI chatbot, DeepSeek, on government devices. The “No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act,” spearheaded by Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Darin LaHood (R-IL), aims to prevent federal employees from accessing the application on government-owned electronics.

DeepSeek, developed by a Chinese startup, has rapidly gained popularity, becoming the most-downloaded free app on the iOS App Store in the United States by late January 2025. However, its ascent has been accompanied by apprehensions regarding data security and potential misuse by the Chinese government. Critics highlight that DeepSeek’s data collection practices involve storing user information on servers located in China, raising significant privacy concerns.

The proposed ban is reminiscent of previous actions taken against TikTok, another Chinese-owned application. In late 2024, Congress enacted a ban on TikTok from federal devices, citing similar fears of data misuse and potential espionage. The current legislative push against DeepSeek underscores the U.S. government’s ongoing vigilance in safeguarding sensitive information from foreign adversaries.

Beyond legislative measures, various U.S. institutions have proactively restricted DeepSeek’s use. The U.S. Navy, for instance, has prohibited its personnel from utilizing the chatbot, citing security and ethical concerns. Additionally, Texas has become the first state to ban DeepSeek on government-issued devices, with Governor Greg Abbott emphasizing the potential risks associated with the app’s data practices.

These developments highlight the broader challenges and considerations in the U.S.-China tech competition, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence. As AI applications become increasingly integrated into daily operations, ensuring the security and integrity of data remains paramount. The proposed ban on DeepSeek reflects a cautious approach by U.S. lawmakers to mitigate potential risks associated with foreign-developed technologies.