Federal Government Prohibits DeepSeek Technology Across Civilian Agencies
Federal civilian agencies have been directed by the US Department of Homeland Security to eliminate DeepSeek technology from their systems due to potential risks of sensitive information reaching China.
Federal civilian agencies across the United States have been directed by the Department of Homeland Security to eliminate all DeepSeek products from their information technology infrastructure.
Monday's directive encompasses not only DeepSeek's direct offerings but also extends to companies affiliated with DeepSeek and any external products or services built upon DeepSeek implementations, while simultaneously barring impacted agencies from procuring new solutions involving the technology.
According to DHS, utilization of DeepSeek by individuals employed by the government as well as contractors working with federal agencies poses risks of exposing confidential data to China, which could potentially compromise information regarding American citizens and federal government operations.
Security flaws discovered within DeepSeek's iOS application were also highlighted by the department as a cause for concern.
Federal agencies were required to comply with the restrictions immediately following the order's publication on Tuesday.
This directive represents a broadening of previously established US limitations on DeepSeek, which had already included prohibitions at the Commerce Department and across segments of the US defense, security and intelligence community, reflecting the ongoing rivalry between Washington and Beijing over dominance in artificial intelligence technology.
In February 2025, Australia implemented its own prohibition on DeepSeek products across government systems and devices.