In recent weeks, bureaus within the U.S. Commerce Department have informed staff that the Chinese-developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) model, DeepSeek, is banned from being used on government devices. This move, confirmed by a message seen by Reuters and sources familiar with the matter, is part of ongoing efforts to safeguard government information systems. A mass email sent to staffers explained the directive, urging them to avoid downloading or accessing any applications, desktop apps, or websites associated with DeepSeek. The email specifically warned, “To help keep Department of Commerce information systems safe, access to the new Chinese-based AI DeepSeek is broadly prohibited on all GFE” (government-furnished equipment).
The Commerce Department’s decision comes amid growing concerns over cybersecurity risks tied to foreign technologies. DeepSeek, an AI model developed in China, has raised alarms due to its rapid proliferation and the potential security vulnerabilities it might pose. While the Commerce Department has not provided further comment on the matter, the ban highlights the increasing scrutiny of Chinese technology in the U.S. government sector.
The specific scope of the ban across other U.S. government departments remains unclear, with Reuters unable to determine the full extent of the restrictions. However, the move reflects broader U.S. efforts to limit the use of Chinese technologies in critical sectors, particularly those involving sensitive data and national security. This step follows a series of actions aimed at curbing the influence of Chinese tech firms on American infrastructure.
The controversy surrounding DeepSeek has also reverberated in financial markets. In January, the introduction of DeepSeek’s low-cost AI models contributed to a major selloff in global equity markets, as investors expressed concerns that China’s advancements in AI could challenge the United States’ dominance in the field. This growing fear of losing competitive ground in AI technology has only amplified regulatory scrutiny in the U.S., particularly as AI continues to play an increasingly pivotal role in both the economy and national security.
