U.S. Orders Federal Agencies to Remove DeepSeek AI Products Over National Security Concerns
aiinsider ·
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued an order requiring federal civilian agencies to cease purchasing products and services from Chinese AI startup DeepSeek. Agencies are also mandated to remove existing DeepSeek technologies from their IT systems due to national security risks associated with the company's operations in China. The directive warns that sensitive data could potentially be accessed by Chinese authorities under local laws, extending previous restrictions enacted in December 2025. While exceptions can be requested, the ban covers both direct DeepSeek offerings and third-party products built on its technology. In response, China’s Foreign Ministry criticized the move as politicizing trade and vowed to protect the rights of its domestic companies. DeepSeek has faced increasing global scrutiny since early 2025, including accusations of large-scale model distillation from other major AI firms. Concurrently, reports suggest China is considering export restrictions on various AI-related technologies, including chip designs.
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