DHS Orders Agencies to Remove DeepSeek AI from Government Systems
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ordered federal agencies to stop using products from Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup DeepSeek over national security concerns.
The order also calls for the removal of DeepSeek products from government systems and bans future purchases of DeepSeek’s products and services. That includes products developed by DeepSeek affiliates and third-party producers as well as services built using DeepSeek implementations.
DHS said DeepSeek poses “multiple threat vectors,” including potential transfers of sensitive information to China, intelligence risks, and possible security vulnerabilities. The agency cited concerns about the collection of personally identifiable information, potential user tracking, and possible malware and other security threats.
The order was issued under the Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act of 2018, following a review of a recommendation and supporting evidence from the Federal Acquisition Security Council. Although signed in July, the order was not made public until its publication in the Federal Register in October.
The move comes after similar actions last year when the Commerce Department banned DeepSeek from government devices and the U.S. Navy ordered all members not to use DeepSeek.
DeepSeek’s models rival U.S. AI models but are often lower cost. The order does not impose a blanket ban on DeepSeek for private businesses or individual users in the United States.
The Chinese government criticized the move accusing the Trump administration of politicizing technology and trade and adding that it "will resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies."
AI is expected to be a major topic when President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China in November.
