US bans Chinese AI tool DeepSeek from civilian government systems

US federal civilian agencies have been instructed to purge DeepSeek AI products and associated services from their information technology infrastructure, according to directives issued by Washington. The move reflects mounting concerns within the US government about the security implications of deploying Chinese-origin AI tools across civilian bureaucratic operations.

The decision centres on apprehensions that the use of DeepSeek could create vulnerabilities permitting unauthorised data transfers to China. US officials have flagged potential risks to sensitive government information and systems as the primary rationale behind the removal order, which applies across civilian federal departments and agencies.

The directive represents an escalation in US scrutiny of Chinese technology products, particularly artificial intelligence platforms, as Washington intensifies efforts to restrict Beijing's access to American government data and infrastructure. The action underscores deepening technological competition and security tensions between the world's two largest economies.

DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, has gained international attention for its artificial intelligence capabilities. The US move follows a pattern of American restrictions on Chinese technology firms and products deemed to pose national security risks, ranging from telecommunications equipment to software platforms.

The ban applies specifically to civilian government agencies rather than military or defence-related entities, which operate under separate security protocols. Affected agencies have been given instructions to complete the removal of DeepSeek products within specified timeframes as part of broader cybersecurity protocols.