The United States has ordered federal civilian agencies to remove artificial intelligence products developed by Chinese startup DeepSeek from their information technology systems, escalating Washington’s scrutiny of Chinese technology on national security grounds.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has also prohibited federal civilian agencies from purchasing DeepSeek products and services. The restriction extends to affiliated companies and third-party tools built using DeepSeek’s technology, according to a notice made public on October 19 and scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on October 20.
The order was issued under the Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act of 2018, following a review of recommendations and supporting evidence from the Federal Acquisition Security Council.
US officials have raised concerns that DeepSeek’s operations could expose sensitive government information to Chinese authorities and that its products could contain security vulnerabilities. The action forms part of a wider effort by the Trump administration to limit potential risks associated with technology developed in China.
DHS cites risks of data exposure and cyber vulnerabilities
The DHS directive warns that information entered into DeepSeek’s systems by government employees or contractors could potentially be transferred to China. Officials also raised concerns that the technology could be used to generate intelligence about US citizens or government agencies, and that the models might contain malware or other security vulnerabilities.
The department’s concerns are linked partly to the fact that DeepSeek’s servers operate in China, where authorities have broad legal powers over domestic companies and their infrastructure.
The order does not amount to a blanket ban on DeepSeek for all Americans. It specifically targets federal civilian agency systems and procurement, rather than private individuals and businesses. Several US government bodies, including the Commerce Department and Navy, as well as states such as New York, Tennessee and Virginia, had already restricted the tool.
China criticises the move
Beijing has criticised the US action, accusing Washington of politicising technology and using national security as a justification for restricting Chinese companies. The dispute comes amid intensifying competition between the two countries over artificial intelligence, semiconductors and other strategic technologies.
DeepSeek attracted international attention by developing AI models that challenged leading US systems while offering comparatively low-cost alternatives. Its rise intensified debate in Washington over whether Chinese AI developers could compete with US companies and whether their products posed risks when used in sensitive environments.
The latest restriction adds to a wider series of US measures targeting Chinese technology, including proposed limits on Chinese laboratories testing electronic devices intended for the American market.
The decision highlights the growing tension between the commercial availability of powerful AI tools and governments’ efforts to protect sensitive information. As Washington and Beijing compete for leadership in artificial intelligence, restrictions on technology, data access and supply chains are likely to remain central points of friction.
