The Trump administration announced a ban on the Chinese AI startup DeepSeek for civilian U.S. government agencies, citing security concerns. The ban comes amid a growing AI rift with China.
The Department of Homeland Security issued the order late Monday, requiring federal civilian agencies to remove DeepSeek-related technology from their IT systems and prohibiting them from procuring DeepSeek products or services. The order applies to federal civilian agencies, including the Treasury, State and Justice departments, but it excludes the Department of Defense.
Within 60 days of the order’s issuance, executive agencies may request exceptions—including delays in compliance—by submitting a written justification to DHS.
The latest Department of Homeland Security order says DeepSeek’s AI models “present multiple threat vectors,” citing concerns that Chinese authorities could access sensitive data and that the models may pose cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
The agency also warned that using DeepSeek’s AI models could transfer sensitive U.S. government data to China, potentially revealing intelligence about American citizens and government programs.
Following the ban, China’s foreign ministry commented Tuesday: “China consistently opposes the over-generalization of national security as well as the politicization of science, technology and trade issues.”
The ban follows several controversies involving the company. In December 2025, Congress restricted the intelligence community’s use of DeepSeek. In March 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce told staff that government devices were prohibited from using DeepSeek.
The move comes amid intensifying geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing.
By CEO NA Editorial Staff
