Washington, D.C. — In a move echoing recent bans in Australia and Taiwan, the United States is set to prohibit the use of the DeepSeek app by government employees due to escalating security concerns.
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI application, has come under scrutiny for allegedly forwarding user data to several Chinese companies, raising alarms about privacy and national security. The application, known for its AI capabilities similar to those of ChatGPT, has been identified as a potential conduit for sensitive data to reach the Chinese government.
Following the lead of Australia and Taiwan, where restrictions have already been placed on government officials and those in critical infrastructure sectors from using the app, U.S. lawmakers, in a bipartisan effort, are now pushing for similar measures.
Democratic Representative Josh Gottheimer and his Republican counterpart, Darin LaHood, have introduced a proposal highlighting DeepSeek as an “alarming threat to national security.” According to the document released by the legislators, investigations have revealed direct links between DeepSeek and the Chinese government, suggesting that the app could be used to channel sensitive American data to Beijing.
The concerns stem not only from data sharing but also from the app’s potential to be manipulated for spreading misinformation or engaging in surveillance activities. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has previously banned operations of China Mobile in the U.S., a company linked by DeepSeek for data sharing, citing similar security threats due to its affiliations with the Chinese government and military.
Representatives Gottheimer and LaHood have expressed worry not just about government data but also the high-sensitivity information that ordinary Americans might unknowingly share through the app, including contracts, documents, and financial records. These details in the wrong hands could significantly benefit the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), described in the proposal as “a known foreign adversary.”
The bipartisan move in the U.S. Congress reflects a growing international reticence towards technology from China, fueled by fears of data breaches, espionage, and the broader implications for national sovereignty and security. Countries like France and Italy have also voiced concerns over DeepSeek’s data protection practices, with Italy having prior experience in banning similar AI services like ChatGPT.
As discussions continue, the potential ban underscores a broader debate on how to balance technological advancement with security in an era where digital tools increasingly intersect with national security. The international response to DeepSeek might set a precedent for how nations address the dual-edged sword of AI technology from geopolitical rivals.
This situation also prompts a broader conversation about the regulation of AI and data privacy across borders, highlighting the need for stringent cybersecurity measures and international cooperation to safeguard against the misuse of technology.
As this story develops, it will be crucial to watch how other countries react and whether this leads to a more comprehensive framework for AI governance and data protection on a global scale.