House Lawmakers Push to Ban AI App DeepSeek from Government Devices

In a move to protect national security, two legislators from the U.S. House have introduced a bill aimed at prohibiting the use of the Chinese artificial intelligence application, DeepSeek, on federal electronic devices. This proposed legislation echoes the existing policy regarding the popular social media app TikTok, which is already banned on government devices.

The “No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act,” spearheaded by Representatives Josh Gottheimer and Darin LaHood, seeks to prevent federal employees from accessing the controversial AI app on government-owned electronics. The lawmakers have expressed concern over the potential for surveillance and misinformation facilitated by the application, given its ties to the Chinese government.

Gottheimer emphasized the risks associated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) using technology to gather data and disseminate disinformation within the United States. He stated, “We can’t afford to have the CCP breach the devices used by our government officials, which could threaten our national security.”

DeepSeek came into the spotlight when it released an AI model that rivaled those from leading American companies like OpenAI and Meta, but at a significantly lower cost. This efficiency sparked discussions among policymakers and tech industry leaders about its potential implications. Following an alarming research paper released in January, debates have intensified regarding the app’s capabilities and cryptic functionalities, which reportedly can relay user information to a Chinese state-run telecommunication entity no longer allowed to operate in the U.S.

The competitive tension between the U.S. and China is elevating, especially in the area of technological innovation. The U.S. has responded by implementing tariffs, restricting specific Chinese firms from entering government infrastructures, and barring the export of cutting-edge microchips vital for advanced AI models.

A notable precedent was set last year when both Congress and President Biden demanded the divestiture of TikTok from its Chinese ownership or face a nationwide ban. This move originally got its momentum from former President Trump, who extended the timeframe for a solution before activating the legal ban.

As of 2023, TikTok has been barred on all federal-issued devices. In supporting the new legislation, Representative LaHood remarked, “The United States cannot afford to lag behind in this technological race with the CCP. This bipartisan legislation will effectively block the app from federal employees’ phones, closing any potential channels the company might exploit.”

The proposed bill not only targets DeepSeek but also any AI application developed by its parent company, High-Flyer. However, exceptions are provided for research and national security purposes, granting federal employers the latitude to study DeepSeek’s technology under controlled circumstances.

Beyond this, some lawmakers are championing even more robust measures. There is a proposal aimed at banning the importation and exportation of Chinese AI technology altogether due to national security issues.

Globally, several nations are also showing caution regarding DeepSeek. Various countries have restricted the use of its chatbot on government platforms, citing data security threats. Italy has not only barred access but also started an inquiry into the firms behind the bot. Similarly, Taiwan has disallowed its civil servants from using the application, and South Korea’s industry ministry has temporarily restricted its usage among employees. Recently, Australia has affirmed its stance by enacting a ban on DeepSeek within government systems and devices.

Meanwhile, in the United States, Texas has taken independent action. Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order proscribing both DeepSeek and RedNote—a Chinese alternative to TikTok—on state-issued devices.

As dialogues around data security and technological sovereignty continue to evolve, the scrutiny around AI applications like DeepSeek is likely to persist, with lawmakers keen on safeguarding national interests against potential threats from foreign digital tools.