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US bans DeepSeek from civilian agency IT systems
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- DeepHorus
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has ordered the removal of DeepSeek products from federal civilian agency IT systems. The order, filed Monday, took immediate effect upon publication Tuesday. It also prohibits affected agencies from making new purchases. The restrictions cover DeepSeek affiliates and third-party products or services developed using DeepSeek implementations.
The directive expands earlier U.S. restrictions on DeepSeek. The Commerce Department and portions of the defense, security and intelligence community had already banned the Chinese AI tool. Those bans reflected mounting concerns in Washington over foreign-owned artificial intelligence. The new order broadens the prohibition to civilian agencies across the federal government.
Under the order, agencies must identify and remove DeepSeek software from their networks. Government employees and contractors are also covered by the restrictions. Agencies cannot procure related tools or services. DHS said the restrictions took effect as soon as the order was published.
DHS warned that DeepSeek use could expose sensitive federal information to China. The department said the tool might reveal details about U.S. citizens and federal programs. It also cited security vulnerabilities identified in DeepSeek's iOS application. Those concerns echo earlier warnings from U.S. officials about foreign AI platforms.
The move comes amid intensifying competition between Washington and Beijing for leadership in artificial intelligence. Australia banned DeepSeek from government systems and devices in February 2025. Other U.S. agencies may follow with similar restrictions. The order reflects a widening campaign against Chinese AI tools in government operations.
Federal civilian agencies now face pressure to purge DeepSeek products quickly. The order signals that U.S. officials view the platform as a national security risk. Further restrictions on DeepSeek and similar tools are likely as security reviews continue. The ban could also affect private contractors working with federal agencies.
