US Bans Chinese AI Model DeepSeek From Federal Civilian Systems
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✧ GENERATE BRIEFING
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a binding operational directive under the Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act of 2018 ordering all federal civilian executive-branch agencies to strip Chinese artificial intelligence startup Hangzhou Deep Seek Artificial Intelligence Co., Ltd. technology from government networks. The rule prohibits procurement of Deep Seek models and third party applications built using its underlying models. Key security justifications, legal mechanisms, and scope include: Multiple Threat Vectors: DHS warned that using Deep Seek exposes federal worker interactions to potential intelligence collection by the Chinese government, while citing vulnerabilities in the Deep Seek iOS app and risks of embedded malware. Statutory Authority: Issued under docket DHS-2026 0628, the order gives civilian agencies immediate directives to purge software provenance risks and monitor network traffic entering and leaving government portals.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has ordered federal civilian agencies to remove China’s DeepSeek artificial intelligence products from their IT systems, citing national security risks involving sensitive data, potential malware and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The directive also prohibits agencies from purchasing DeepSeek products and third-party services built using its AI models.
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National Security Directives and Supply Chain Security Act
The department warned that using DeepSeek could expose information handled by government employees and contractors to China. It also raised concerns that the models could contain malware or other security weaknesses, potentially creating risks for government networks and sensitive information.
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Issued under the Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act of 2018, the order requires agencies to immediately remove existing DeepSeek products, software, and services, while completely barring future procurement or contracts involving the technology. The ban extends beyond DeepSeek-branded software to also cover third-party applications and services built using DeepSeek’s foundation models.
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Previous Inter-Agency and State-Level Bans
The order extends earlier restrictions imposed by individual federal agencies. The Department of Commerce and the US Navy had already prohibited DeepSeek on government devices, while several states, including Texas, New York, Tennessee and Virginia, had introduced similar measures.
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A memorandum issued in July and made public on Monday also instructed federal agencies to monitor traffic entering and leaving government websites to help identify and mitigate potential risks associated with DeepSeek.
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Broader Trade Restrictions and Federal IT Screening
The decision is part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to limit the use of Chinese technology in sensitive US infrastructure. Washington has also pursued restrictions involving Chinese-made drones, consumer routers and certain telecommunications equipment over national security concerns.
The order applies to federal civilian agency IT systems and procurement, rather than establishing a blanket ban on DeepSeek for all US consumers. The Chinese Embassy in Washington had not immediately commented on the latest decision, according to Reuters.
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The move highlights growing tensions between the United States and China over artificial intelligence, data security and technological competition, as governments increasingly treat AI systems as potential national security risks.
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