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Commerce Department divisions reportedly ban DeepSeek from government devices

Mar 18, 2025 - engadget.com
Several Department of Commerce bureaus have instructed staff not to use the Chinese-based AI chatbot DeepSeek on government devices to protect information systems, according to a report by Reuters. The ban on DeepSeek, which emerged in January as a low-cost, open-source AI model, has also been implemented by several states, including New York, Texas, and Virginia. Concerns over privacy and security have led some members of Congress and state attorneys general to advocate for legislation prohibiting the app on federal devices.

DeepSeek's rise has impacted US tech stocks and drawn scrutiny from companies like OpenAI, which accused Chinese startups of copying its AI models. OpenAI has claimed that DeepSeek is "state-subsidized" and "state-controlled," urging a ban on its use in US government, military, and intelligence devices. The full extent of the ban within the government remains unclear.

Key takeaways:

  • Several Department of Commerce bureaus have prohibited the use of DeepSeek's AI chatbot on government devices to protect information systems.
  • States like New York, Texas, and Virginia have banned DeepSeek from government devices, and there is a push for federal legislation to do the same.
  • DeepSeek emerged as a lower-cost, open-source AI model in January, impacting US tech stocks and topping Apple's App Store rankings.
  • OpenAI has accused DeepSeek of copying its AI models and claims it is "state-subsidized" and "state-controlled," advocating for its ban on US government, military, and intelligence devices.
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