Alabama Governor Kay Ivey Prohibits Use of Chinese AI Platforms DeepSeek and Manus on State Devices
Alabama Governor Bans Chinese AI Platforms on State Devices
Overview of the Ban
On Wednesday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced a ban on using the Chinese-owned AI platforms DeepSeek and Manus on state devices and networks. This decision aligns Alabama with at least ten other U.S. states that have implemented similar restrictions on these platforms. The memo from Ivey’s office emphasizes concerns over data privacy and cybersecurity, linking the software to the Chinese government and its extensive data-collection capabilities.
Reasons Behind the Ban
Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Concerns
Governor Ivey’s memo stated that the platforms pose significant risks to Alabama residents and the state due to their affiliations with the Chinese government. The state is prioritizing the safety of citizens’ data by preventing potential misuse of information collected by these AI tools. The growing espionage concerns regarding foreign technology and its implications on state security have prompted this ban.
International Context
Other nations sharing similar concerns include:
- Canada
- Australia
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Italy, which has enacted a nationwide ban on DeepSeek.
The U.S. federal government has also seen similar actions, with agencies like the Commerce Department and NASA barring DeepSeek from their devices. Reports indicate that former President Trump is contemplating introducing similar measures within the White House.
Framework for Future Bans
Governor Ivey’s ban isn’t limited to just DeepSeek and Manus. The directive outlines a general framework to ban software from other foreign nations considered a risk, including:
- Iran
- North Korea
- Russia
This proactive stance emphasizes Alabama’s commitment to cybersecurity and data protection against threats from foreign adversaries.
Insights from the Task Force Report
The ban is rooted in a report released by the Governor’s Task Force on Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). Key considerations addressed in this report include:
- Understanding AI: An overview explaining the nuances of generative AI and its differences from traditional forms.
- Risks Assessment: Individual and shared risks associated with using generative AI technologies.
- Data Management: Guidelines for data ownership, classification, and readiness for government use.
- Employee Education: Provisions for training state government employees in the safe application of generative AI technologies.
- Development Guidelines: Recommendations for procurement and development of generative AI tools within the state.
- Executive Inventory: An inventory report of the executive branch’s AI usage.
- Recommendations: Suggestions from the task force aimed at improving AI utilization while protecting data integrity.
Governor Ivey expressed optimism about Alabama’s growth trajectory, underscoring the state’s push for ethical AI use in government. She acknowledged the significant efforts by state leaders in exploring generative AI’s potential while maintaining stringent security measures.
Actions by Other States
Alabama’s move to ban DeepSeek was further supported by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, who has advocated for the “No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act.” This coalition of 21 attorney generals highlighted the national security risks posed by allowing access to software tied to adversarial nations like China. Marshall emphasized that the potential misuse of personal data could lead to serious security threats.
In addition, Tennessee has joined the ranks of states prohibiting these AI platforms. Governor Bill Lee highlighted the consistent efforts made to protect citizens from platforms linked to the Chinese Communist Party, reinforcing the idea that safeguarding state devices is essential for protecting the public.
By taking definitive steps against platforms like DeepSeek and Manus, Alabama and several other states aim to enhance cybersecurity and address the challenges posed by foreign technology. The concerted effort reflects a growing national trend of ensuring state resources and citizen data remain secure from external threats.
