DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, is facing increasing scrutiny from regulators worldwide. Its viral AI models and chatbot apps have been banned in multiple countries and government agencies over concerns about ethics, privacy, and security.
Corporations are also cutting ties—by the hundreds. The biggest concern is potential data exposure to the Chinese government. DeepSeek’s privacy policy states that all user data is stored in China, where laws require organizations to share information with intelligence officials upon request.
As more regions restrict access to DeepSeek’s technology, we will keep this list updated. We’ll also highlight public sector departments that have prohibited its use.
Taiwan
Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs has banned government agencies from using DeepSeek’s AI, citing national security risks. The ministry warned that public sector workers and critical infrastructure could face “cross-border transmission and information leakage” by using the technology.
The ban extends beyond government agencies. It also applies to public schools and state-owned enterprises.
“DeepSeek AI service is a Chinese product,” the ministry stated. “Its operation involves [several] information security concerns.”
Italy
Italy became one of the first countries to ban DeepSeek after an investigation into the company’s handling of personal data.
In late January, Italy’s Data Protection Authority (DPA) began probing DeepSeek’s data collection practices and its compliance with the GDPR, the EU law regulating data retention and processing. The DPA gave DeepSeek 20 days to answer questions about how and where it stores user data and how it uses that information.
DeepSeek argued its apps were not subject to EU law. However, the DPA disagreed and moved to remove DeepSeek’s apps from the Apple and Google app stores in Italy.
Texas
Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an order banning DeepSeek’s software, along with that of other Chinese companies, from government-issued devices in the state.
In a statement, Abbott emphasized that Texas “will not allow the Chinese Communist Party to infiltrate our state’s critical infrastructure through data-harvesting AI and social media apps.” He further assured that Texas will continue to protect its state from hostile foreign actors.
U.S. Congress
U.S. congressional offices have been warned against using DeepSeek’s technology.
The House’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), which supports the House of Representatives, issued a notice stating that DeepSeek’s tech is “under review,” according to Axios.
The notice also highlighted security concerns, stating, “Threat actors are already exploiting DeepSeek to deliver malicious software and infect devices.” To reduce these risks, the House has implemented measures to restrict DeepSeek’s functionality on all House-issued devices.
Axios reported that the CAO has banned staff from installing DeepSeek apps on any official smartphones, computers, or tablets.
U.S. Navy
The U.S. Navy has instructed its members not to use DeepSeek apps or technology, according to CNBC.
In late January, the Navy sent an email prohibiting service members from using DeepSeek products “in any capacity.” The warning cited “potential security and ethical concerns associated with the tech’s origins and usage.” A Navy spokesperson confirmed the email was linked to the Department of the Navy’s generative AI policy, based on an advisory from the Navy’s cyber workforce manager.
The Navy emphasized the importance of not using DeepSeek’s AI “for any work-related tasks or personal use” and urged members to avoid downloading, installing, or using the technology.
NASA
NASA has also banned employees from using DeepSeek’s technology, according to CNBC. The agency’s chief AI officer sent a memo informing personnel that DeepSeek’s servers operate outside the U.S., raising national security concerns.
The memo stated, “DeepSeek and its products and services are not authorized for use with NASA’s data and information or on government-issued devices and networks.” It further instructed employees not to access DeepSeek via NASA devices or agency-managed network connections.
NASA has blocked the use of DeepSeek apps on “agency-managed devices and networks,” CNBC reports.
Pentagon
The Pentagon has blocked access to DeepSeek technologies, but not before some staff used them, according to Bloomberg.
In January, the Defense Information Systems Agency, responsible for the Pentagon’s IT networks, moved to ban DeepSeek’s website. This decision followed concerns from defense officials about unauthorized use of DeepSeek’s applications by Pentagon workers.
While the ban is in place, Defense Department personnel can still access DeepSeek’s AI through Ask Sage, an authorized platform that does not connect directly to Chinese servers, Bloomberg reports.
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