U.S. Lawmakers Propose Ban on Chinese AI App DeepSeek Over Security Concerns
A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has introduced legislation aiming to prohibit the use of the Chinese-developed AI chatbot application, DeepSeek, on all government-owned devices. The proposal comes amidst escalating concerns over potential security risks associated with the app.
DeepSeek has swiftly become one of the most popular applications in the United States. However, its rapid rise has been accompanied by mounting worries about its data collection practices and ties to China’s state-owned telecommunications company, China Mobile. Cybersecurity experts have alleged that DeepSeek contains hidden code capable of transmitting user information to the Chinese entity, which is barred from operating in the U.S.
The U.S. government has previously accused Beijing of exploiting its applications to access sensitive data. However, the Chinese foreign ministry has dismissed these allegations as politically motivated “ideological discrimination,” insisting that it does not compel enterprises or individuals to illegally collect or store data.
Congressman Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat, expressed strong support for the proposed ban, stating, “This should be a no-brainer in terms of actions we should take immediately to prevent our enemy from getting information from our government.” Republican Representative Darin LaHood echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that under no circumstances can Chinese companies be allowed access to sensitive government or personal data.
The proposed legislation echoes earlier moves against TikTok, another Chinese-owned social media platform that was banned from government devices in 2022 due to similar concerns. The Chinese government has consistently dismissed U.S. accusations against TikTok as unfounded and politically motivated. Despite TikTok’s efforts to address these concerns, including the launch of Project Texas and a proposed “kill switch,” its future in the U.S. remains uncertain.
As the debate over DeepSeek and other foreign-owned apps continues, lawmakers are likely to face pressure from both sides. Supporters of the ban argue that it is necessary to protect national security, while opponents may contend that it could harm U.S.-China relations or stifle innovation. As the legislative process unfolds, the focus will remain on ensuring the security and privacy of U.S. users and their data.