US Bars DeepSeek from Government Devices as AI Rivalry with China Intensifies
The US government has blocked Chinese AI firm DeepSeek from civilian federal agency computers due to cybersecurity threats and fears that sensitive data could end up in China. The Department of Homeland Security order bans agencies from buying DeepSeek services and goods.
Trump administration officials voiced security concerns as they barred DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, from working with civilian U.S. government departments. On October 20th, the directive mandating the removal of DeepSeek-related technologies from federal civilian agencies' IT systems was made public by the Department of Homeland Security.
Thus, preventing the IT system from purchasing DeepSeek services and products. The prohibition extends to the information technology systems of government civilian agencies, as well as any third-party services or products built utilising the company's technology. This comes as geopolitical tensions between China and the United States continue to rise, with AI being a focal point of the competition for technical supremacy between the two nations.
China’s Response to US Order
In response to a question from Reuters regarding the US action, China's foreign ministry assured the news agency that China would protect the interests and rights of Chinese firms. According to a report by Reuters, Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the ministry, stated that China has always opposed the politicisation of research, technology, trade, and national security. The Defence Department is not subject to the directive, which was initially issued on July 24 but applies to civilian government agencies such as the Treasury, State, and Justice departments.
Several branches of the United States government have implemented different limitations on DeepSeek since its debut at the beginning of 2025. As of December 2025, DeepSeek's usage in intelligence community systems was limited by Congress. Federal employees were informed in March of that year by bureaus within the U.S. Commerce Department that DeepSeek was prohibited on federal equipment. The Defense Information Systems Agency reportedly took action in January 2025 to restrict access to DeepSeek models, as reported by Bloomberg.
Why US Decided to Ban DeepSeek?
According to the most recent DHS directive, DeepSeek's AI models pose many security risks. The injunction was based on worries about cybersecurity flaws and the possibility that Chinese authorities could obtain sensitive data. Additionally, the agency expressed concern that DeepSeek's AI models may lead to the transfer of sensitive U.S. government data to China.
As a result, China may get access to sensitive information about American individuals and government programmes. The government agency warned that the models might have malware or other security flaws, pointing to open-source studies that found numerous serious flaws in DeepSeek's iOS app. Within sixty days after the order is issued, executive agencies can write to the DHS and ask for a waiver, which might include a delay in compliance. On October 29, the FCC is set to decide whether or not to prohibit all Chinese labs from conducting testing on electronic goods, including smartphones, cameras, and computers, intended for use in the US. China conducted testing on 82% of US devices last year.
