Amid growing tensions between the US and China, the US is reportedly wary of the ‘multiple threat vectors’ created by the use of DeepSeek.
In a notice published on Monday (19 October), the US Homeland Security Department has ordered that US civilian agency IT systems remove all DeepSeek products and any third-party services using the AI model.
In the Department of Homeland Security’s notice, it was explained that the US’s federal civilian agencies will no longer purchase information technology created by Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence, or companies connected to it via a third party.
Furthermore, federal agencies will remove any DeepSeek related products that are already being used, as well as any that were developed using DeepSeek’s artificial intelligence.
According to Reuters, the Department of Homeland Security, cited security concerns as a major consideration, stating that “multiple threat vectors”, could potentially “result in the transfer of sensitive data to the PRC if used by US government employees or vendors”.
Potentially, by using DeepSeek, government agencies could expose existing intelligence on US personnel and agencies. The models may also harbour malware and other security threats.
While the notice was only issued this week, the actual ban took place back in July of this year and among the affected agencies are the Department of the Treasury, the Department of State and the Department of Justice. Reportedly agencies within the Department of Defense are excluded.
Previously, multiple US agencies, for example the Department of Commerce and the Navy, have already banned the use of DeepSeek on government devices and states such as New York, Tennessee and Virginia have taken similar steps to prevent use of the technology.
There is growing tension between the US and China, as both regions are keen to pull ahead in the global AI race. President Donald Trump has been increasingly critical of the risks China’s AI innovation poses to the US’ own AI ambitions.
In June it was announced that DeepSeek, which intends to move to an IPO, also has plans to double the size of all of its departments amid a push to compete with domestic rivals and global leaders in the artificial intelligence space. During this time the AI start-up also raised more than $7.4bn at a $50bn-plus post-money valuation.
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