US Orders Federal Agencies to Remove DeepSeek AI Tools

The U.S. government has ordered federal agencies to stop using artificial intelligence tools from Chinese startup DeepSeek, including software from outside makers that was built using DeepSeek technology.

The instruction came in a notice from the Department of Homeland Security. The notice bans products developed by DeepSeek as well as tools created by third parties using DeepSeek and requires the products to be removed from IT devices The Guardian. It bars future purchases of DeepSeek products and orders the technology removed from federal civilian IT systems The Wall Street Journal.

A document attached to the Homeland Security notice said DeepSeek's models present multiple threat vectors The Guardian. The department warned that use of the tools by government employees or vendors may result in the transfer of sensitive data to China. It said DeepSeek's servers are located in China, where the legal system permits the government extensive authority to access private company infrastructure.

The directive covers civilian agencies. The Department of Homeland Security can issue direction to civilian agencies but not to the military or intelligence services.

DeepSeek released a new AI model, V4, in April and updated a faster, more lightweight version of V4 earlier in October.

The Federal Communications Commission will vote on October 29 to bar all Chinese labs from testing electronic devices such as smartphones Reuters.