U.S. Federal and State Governments Act Swiftly to Limit DeepSeek Usage
DeepSeek’s Rise and Scrutiny in the AI Landscape
Overview of DeepSeek
In January 2025, DeepSeek, a Chinese AI start-up, made headlines claiming that its large language model, DeepSeek-R1, could match the performance of top-tier models while utilizing less than $6 million in computing resources from older chips. Founded in July 2023 and backed by High-Flyer, a Hangzhou-based hedge fund, DeepSeek’s rapid ascent captured attention when its application became the most downloaded in the U.S., despite skepticism from industry experts regarding its claims.
Data Security Concerns
DeepSeek’s popularity has raised significant concerns among U.S. Federal and State officials regarding data security. These concerns have parallels with past regulations such as the FAR rule that restricts telecommunications equipment from certain Chinese companies, including Huawei. The quick response from various government levels—White House, Congress, federal agencies, and state governments—underscores the perceived dangers associated with DeepSeek and its potential impact on national security.
Federal Government Responses
Legislative Actions
No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act: On February 7, Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Darin LaHood (R-IL) introduced this bill. They voiced serious national security concerns, with Gottheimer describing DeepSeek as a "five-alarm national security fire." He claimed it could be misused by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to access sensitive data.
Additional Legislation: A bill introduced by Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) aims to decouple U.S.-China AI tech relations, which could potentially prohibit DeepSeek’s operations in the U.S. Similarly, Representative Mark Green (R-TN) proposed the China Technology Transfer Control Act, focusing on controlling technology exports to China, in response to allegations about DeepSeek’s sourcing of U.S. technology for AI development.
- National Security Review: The National Security Council has also initiated an ongoing review into DeepSeek’s AI model, although details remain confidential.
Agency Responses
Department of Defense: The Pentagon took precautionary measures by blocking DeepSeek’s access on its networks after reports indicated employees had used it on government devices.
NASA’s Restrictions: NASA issued guidance prohibiting the use of DeepSeek’s products and services on agency devices and for any related tasks, citing security risks.
- Congressional Precautions: The U.S. House of Representatives banned the installation of DeepSeek on House-issued devices due to the potential threat of malware.
State Government Responses
Initial State-Level Ban
- Texas: On January 31, Governor Greg Abbott issued the first state-level ban on DeepSeek and similar Chinese AI applications on government-issued devices, emphasizing the need to protect Texas’ critical infrastructure from potential espionage by the CCP.
Following Actions from Other States
New York: Governor Kathy Hochul announced a ban on DeepSeek, reflecting concerns about foreign surveillance on government devices.
- Virginia: Following suit, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed an executive order banning DeepSeek’s use in state agencies, specifying that it applies to contracts and equipment used by the state.
Legislative Movements
- In Georgia and Kansas, state lawmakers are also considering bills to prohibit DeepSeek and similar AI technologies from being employed in governmental functions, showing a broader trend among states in addressing concerns regarding foreign apps.
Future Prospects
With consensus growing among key government entities regarding the risks posed by DeepSeek, further legislative and executive actions are expected in the near future. The heightened scrutiny surrounding DeepSeek implies that its application in U.S. public sector projects will face close examination.
This evolving situation reflects a broader tension in global technology dynamics, particularly regarding AI and data security. As developments unfold, stakeholders from various sectors will likely continue to monitor legislative actions and responses to DeepSeek and others like it.
