The U.S. Commerce Department has banned the Chinese AI model DeepSeek on government devices to protect data privacy. This action follows concerns over the model’s potential threat to sensitive government information and national security. Bipartisan legislative efforts are underway to enforce this ban across the United States.

Recent directives from the U.S. Commerce Department reveal a ban on the Chinese artificial intelligence model DeepSeek on government devices. An internal communication highlighted that access to DeepSeek is strictly prohibited to safeguard information systems. Employees were specifically instructed against downloading or accessing any applications related to DeepSeek.

Although the Commerce Department has not provided a comment regarding the situation, the full scope of the ban across the federal government remains unclear. The concern surrounding DeepSeek arose after its low-cost AI models caused a notable decline in global equity markets earlier this year, as fears about the United States’ competitive position in AI grew.

U.S. officials and legislators have voiced significant apprehensions about DeepSeek’s potential risks to data privacy and national security. Representatives Josh Gottheimer and Darin LaHood, part of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, proposed legislation in February to prohibit DeepSeek on government devices and reached out to state governors requesting similar actions against its use.

In a letter dated March 3, the congressmen expressed alarm about the inadvertent sharing of sensitive information with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) when using DeepSeek. They emphasized that data from government contracts and documents could significantly benefit the CCP, which is categorized as a foreign adversary. Several states, including Virginia, Texas, and New York, have already implemented bans on DeepSeek, alongside a coalition of 21 state attorneys general advocating for federal legislation against the AI model.

In summary, the U.S. Commerce Department has instituted a ban on China’s DeepSeek AI model for government devices to protect sensitive information and privacy. Concerns regarding the model’s potential to compromise data security have led to legislative proposals and bans by various states. The bipartisan effort underscores the urgency of addressing foreign threats to national security and official data.

Original Source: www.usnews.com

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