(Image caption: AI letters appear on a laptop screen beside the logo of China’s DeepSeek AI application. Photo: AFP File.)
The United States government has ordered federal agencies to stop using artificial intelligence tools developed by Chinese startup DeepSeek, citing concerns that sensitive information could be transferred to China.
A notice issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires agencies to remove DeepSeek products, as well as third-party tools built using the company’s technology, from their information technology devices.
The move comes as Washington and Beijing continue competing for leadership in the rapidly developing artificial intelligence sector.
“DeepSeek’s models present multiple threat vectors,” a document attached to Monday’s notice stated.
US Warns of Potential Sensitive Data Transfers
The DHS warned that using DeepSeek’s AI tools “may result in the transfer of sensitive data to (China) if used by US government employees or vendors”.
According to the department, DeepSeek’s servers are located in China, where the legal system gives the government “extensive authority” to access private company infrastructure.
The department’s notice applies to civilian agencies under its authority but does not extend to the military or intelligence services.
The US Department of Defence did not respond to an AFP request for comment. AFP has also contacted DeepSeek for a response.
DeepSeek Disrupted the AI Industry in 2025
DeepSeek, one of China’s leading artificial intelligence laboratories, attracted global attention in January 2025 after launching a low-cost, high-performance chatbot that challenged assumptions about the dominance of US AI companies.
The company subsequently released its V4 model in April and updated a faster, lighter version of the model this month.
Its emergence intensified competition in the AI sector, particularly over model performance, development costs and access to advanced technology.
The United States has accused DeepSeek and other leading Chinese AI companies of systematically stealing capabilities from advanced models developed by American competitors.
US-China AI Tensions Continue
Despite the rivalry, the United States and China agreed in September to establish a communication channel for addressing artificial intelligence-related incidents.
The initiative comes amid growing international attention to the security implications of increasingly capable AI systems.
The issue is expected to feature in discussions when the two countries’ leaders meet next month at a summit in Shenzhen, China.
The latest US restrictions highlight Washington’s concerns about the use of foreign-developed AI tools within government systems, particularly where sensitive information and data security are involved.
