US bans China's DeepSeek AI model on government devices

The US Department of Commerce has banned the use of China's artificial intelligence model DeepSeek on government devices. This move comes amid growing concerns over national security and data privacy. In a warning sent to employees by the department, it was stated that access to DeepSeek has been completely blocked. Officials are highlighting the risk of the Chinese Communist Party gaining access to sensitive data.

REACTION FROM STATES AND EXPANSION OF THE BAN

As reported by Reuters, the Department of Commerce stated in an email sent to its employees that "the use of China-based DeepSeek on all government equipment is prohibited." Employees were instructed not to access applications or websites associated with this AI model. Although no official statement has been made yet, there is speculation about whether the ban will spread to other government units.

While DeepSeek's low-cost models drew attention in global markets in January, US officials focused on threats to data privacy. House Intelligence Committee members Josh Gottheimer and Darin LaHood introduced a bill in February to ban DeepSeek and called on state governors to act. In their letters, they warned, "DeepSeek unknowingly shares users' sensitive information with the Chinese Communist Party. This is a major advantage for the CCP."

While states such as Virginia, Texas, and New York have banned DeepSeek from government devices, 21 state attorneys general have requested a nationwide regulation from Congress. Experts state that this development could be a new turning point in the China-US technology competition.