U.S. Lawmakers Propose Ban on China's DeepSeek from Government Devices

In a significant legislative move, U.S. lawmakers have announced plans to introduce a bill aimed at prohibiting the use of the Chinese startup DeepSeek's AI chatbot on government-owned devices. This action, titled the "No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act," arises from growing concerns regarding the potential sharing of sensitive information by U.S. citizens with the chatbot, which has recently gained attention for its rapid rise in popularity.

Concerns Over Data Privacy and Security

The proposed legislation is a direct response to fears that DeepSeek, which has emerged as a competitor to established U.S. AI companies like OpenAI, could compromise the privacy of sensitive government and personal data. Lawmakers, including Republican Representative Darin LaHood and Democratic Representative Josh Gottheimer, who previously spearheaded efforts to restrict TikTok, have highlighted that DeepSeek's privacy policy indicates user data may be stored in China. This raises alarms about the potential for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to access this information.

Allegations of Data Transmission

Adding to the scrutiny, research conducted by the Canadian cybersecurity firm Feroot Security revealed that DeepSeek's software allegedly contains hidden code capable of transmitting user data to CMPassport.com, a site associated with China Mobile, a state-owned telecommunications entity. LaHood emphasized the risks, stating, "DeepSeek's generative AI program acquires the data of U.S. users and stores the information for unidentified use by the CCP." This assertion underscores the lawmakers' commitment to safeguarding U.S. data from foreign adversaries.

International Responses and Precedents

DeepSeek's rapid ascent was marked by its flagship model becoming the most downloaded free app on Apple's App Store shortly after its release. However, the app's controversial nature has prompted other countries to take precautionary measures. For instance, Australia has recently banned DeepSeek from all government devices citing national security concerns, while Italy's data protection authority has also mandated the company to block its chatbot within the nation. These international actions reflect a growing trend of vigilance against foreign technology perceived as a threat to national security.

Legislative Context and Future Implications

The initiative to ban DeepSeek mirrors earlier legislative efforts regarding TikTok, which faced similar scrutiny due to its Chinese ownership. In December 2022, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bill restricting federal employees from downloading TikTok, culminating in a broader legislative push in April 2024 that sought to compel ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, to divest its ownership to continue operations in the U.S. These precedents highlight a pattern of escalating regulatory actions against foreign technology firms amid national security concerns.

Conclusion

The proposed "No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act" reflects a growing apprehension among U.S. lawmakers regarding the intersection of technology and national security. As DeepSeek gains traction in the competitive AI landscape, the implications of its data management practices have prompted significant legislative responses. This situation not only emphasizes the need for robust data privacy measures but also indicates a broader trend of increasing scrutiny on foreign technology firms operating within the U.S., ultimately shaping the future of international tech relations and domestic security policies.