US removes DeepSeek from federal civilian agency systems
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Techcrunch
DeepSeek · MITThe United States has ordered federal civilian agencies to stop buying DeepSeek products and services and remove the Chinese technology from their computer systems, citing national security and data risks. The directive also covers third-party services incorporating DeepSeek, with possible waivers, and extends to civilian administrations restrictions already applied to intelligence security systems, according to the US Department of Homeland Security.
US federal civilian agencies must stop purchasing DeepSeek products and services, a Chinese artificial intelligence company, and remove its technologies from their computer systems, according to a directive from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The order also targets third-party products and services relying on DeepSeek technologies, with agencies able to request waivers, TechCrunch reports.
The DHS cites concerns about the handling of users' data and the risk that sensitive information submitted by US government employees could be accessible to Chinese authorities under Chinese law. The directive extends to federal civilian administrations restrictions already imposed on national intelligence security systems by a law adopted in December 2025.
Beijing has challenged the measure. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Tuesday that China opposed the politicisation of technological and trade issues and would defend the legitimate interests of Chinese companies.
The controversy comes amid heightened technological rivalry between Washington and Beijing. China is considering limiting exports of 23 artificial intelligence-related technologies, including chip designs and certain advanced models, according to Bloomberg. DeepSeek has also faced US accusations of using model distillation to extract information from US artificial intelligence systems; OpenAI and Anthropic have likewise raised concerns about the practice.
Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.
