Top Line: This legislation comes in response to cybersecurity concerns linking DeepSeek to China Mobile, a state-owned telecommunications company previously banned in the U.S. due to national security threats.
“I think we should ban DeepSeek from all government devices immediately,” said Gottheimer, who sits on the House Intelligence Committee. “No one should be allowed to download it onto their device.”
According to the Representative Darin LaHood, “The technology race with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is not one the United States can afford to lose.”
An effort is underway in the U.S. Congress to prohibit the use of DeepSeek AI, a Chinese AI chatbot, on government-owned devices. Lawmakers Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) and Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) are leading the charge, they introduced a bill titled the “No DeepSeek On Government Devices Act.” Highlighting the national security concerns in the United States.
Some well known security analysts, including Feroot Security, have raised alarms over hidden code in DeepSeek that could transmit user credentials to Chinese-controlled servers. Government agencies such as the Department of Defense and NASA have already implemented restrictions on DeepSeek, with some congressional offices advised against its use. These concerns echo the security fears that led to the nationwide ban on TikTok from government-issued devices.
Will Deepseek Be Completely Banned In The U.S.?
With this news in the market alot of queries are thrown by the DeepSeek USA user like “is deepseek banned in us” or “Why deepseek blocked in us”. While the bill’s fate remains uncertain, growing bipartisan support suggests that DeepSeek could face strict regulations in the U.S. Some lawmakers fear that the AI tool surpasses domestic competitors in performance while also acting as a conduit for potential espionage.
The Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives has already restricted access to DeepSeek, they have cited the evidence that the chatbot has been used to deliver malware. Additionally, several state governments, including Texas, have taken independent action to prohibit the AI tool from government networks. Internationally, DeepSeek has also faced scrutiny, with countries such as Australia, Italy, Taiwan, and South Korea imposing bans or restrictions on the app due to similar security concerns.
The U.S Navy Instance on DeepSeek AI
The U.S. Navy has explicitly advised its personnel against using DeepSeek, citing national security risks. According to reports, military officials are particularly wary of potential data breaches that could compromise classified information.
The U.S. Department of Defense has also taken precautionary measures, blocking access to DeepSeek on military networks. Concerns extend beyond data security, with analysts warning that DeepSeek’s ability to process vast amounts of information could be leveraged for intelligence-gathering by foreign adversaries.
DeepSeek’s Rise Sparks Concern Among U.S. Tech Giants
DeepSeek USA emergence as a powerful AI competitor has alarmed major U.S tech firms. The chatbot’s advanced capabilities, coupled with its reportedly lower operational costs, have led to significant disruptions in the stock market. Notably, NVIDIA experienced a staggering $600 billion market value drop following reports of DeepSeek’s technological advancements.
The situation has drawn comparisons to the controversies surrounding TikTok, as both applications have been scrutinized for their connections to China. Former President Donald Trump has acknowledged DeepSeek’s potential to disrupt the industry while simultaneously emphasizing the need to safeguard U.S. technological interests.
Final Thoughts
The proposed legislation against DeepSeek highlights ongoing concerns about cybersecurity and international competition in AI development. While DeepSeek continues to gain traction globally, U.S. lawmakers remain firm in their stance that potential security risks must be addressed before the chatbot can be widely accepted.
With government agencies, military divisions, and policymakers advocating for its ban, the future of DeepSeek in the U.S. remains uncertain. However, if the bipartisan bill passes, it could mark a significant shift in how the U.S. regulates foreign AI technologies, reinforcing national security priorities while shaping the landscape of global AI competition.