US Lawmakers Push for DeepSeek Ban Over National Security Concerns, Citing China Ties
Texas has become the first state to ban DeepSeek from government-issued devices.
DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence company, is facing potential bans in the United States due to national security concerns.
A bipartisan effort in the U.S. House of Representatives, led by Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Darin LaHood (R-Ill), have introduced the “No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act,” aiming to prohibit federal employees from using the DeepSeek app on government devices.
The lawmakers cite the potential for the Chinese Communist Party to exploit the app for surveillance and misinformation.
This initiative mirrors previous actions taken against TikTok, reflecting ongoing concerns about Chinese technology companies’ access to sensitive data. DeepSeek’s privacy policy indicates that user data may be stored on servers in China, raising alarms about possible government access to this information.
In response to these concerns, Texas has become the first state to ban DeepSeek from government-issued devices. Governor Greg Abbott issued the directive, citing security risks associated with potential data exposure to the Chinese government.
The ongoing competition between the US and China in technological advancements contributes significantly to these regulatory actions.
DeepSeek’s rapid rise and perceived superior performance have disrupted the global tech industry, leading to significant market impacts. However, the company’s data collection practices and compliance with Chinese government policies have prompted regulatory scrutiny in multiple countries.
Australia, South Korea, Italy, and Taiwan have also restricted or banned DeepSeek from government devices due to similar security concerns.
