The US Homeland Security Department has ordered the removal of DeepSeek products and third-party services using the Chinese AI model from civilian agency IT systems. The department is also banning the acquisition of DeepSeek products developed using the Chinese model. DHS says DeepSeek models pose "multiple threat vectors" and raise concerns that use "may result in the transfer of sensitive data to the PRC if used by US government employees or vendors."
The models themselves may contain malware or other security vulnerabilities. In a July memo, DHS told agencies to monitor traffic flows to address potential risks. Previously, the Department of Commerce and the Navy banned DeepSeek on government devices. Multiple states including New York, Tennessee, and Virginia have taken similar steps. The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately comment. The Trump administration has taken a series of steps to crack down on Chinese tech companies. The Federal Communications Commission will vote on October 29 to bar all Chinese labs from testing electronic devices for use in the US. Last year, 82% of US electronics were tested in China. In December, the FCC banned import of all new models of Chinese drones and consumer routers. In July, the FCC voted to bar sales of devices containing key hardware from Chinese companies deemed national security risks.
Source: Hacker News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing