US Congress Bans Chinese AI Chatbot DeepSeek Over Security Concerns

Washington – The United States Congress has officially banned its employees from installing or using DeepSeek, a Chinese-developed AI chatbot, on government-issued devices, citing cybersecurity risks and potential foreign interference.

The decision, issued by the House’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), reflects growing concerns over the security implications of AI tools developed outside the U.S., particularly those originating from China.

Key Details on the DeepSeek Ban:

1. Official Ban on Government Devices – A memo obtained by Axios confirms that DeepSeek is now classified as unauthorized software for use on House-issued phones, computers, and tablets.

2. Cybersecurity Threats Identified – The CAO cited instances where threat actors have allegedly exploited DeepSeek to distribute malicious software, raising fears that the chatbot could be used to harvest sensitive data or compromise government networks.

3. Congress’s History of AI Restrictions – This is not the first time U.S. lawmakers have restricted AI-driven applications.

   • In 2023, Congress imposed limits on ChatGPT, allowing only the paid version for specific work-related tasks.
   • In April 2024, Microsoft Copilot was also banned from use, though the tech giant is reportedly developing a government-approved version to address security concerns.

4. Deepening AI Competition Between the U.S. and China – DeepSeek, a chatbot rapidly gaining traction in the American AI market, has been viewed as a potential competitor to U.S.-based AI models. However, lawmakers are wary of foreign-developed AI tools, particularly those from China, amid rising tensions over data security and AI governance.

5. Congress’s Stance on AI Regulations – The move highlights Congress’s broader efforts to regulate AI usage within government institutions, balancing technological innovation with national security measures.

Implications of the Ban

This decision underscores the U.S. government’s caution toward foreign AI technologies, particularly those developed in China. Lawmakers and cybersecurity experts have repeatedly warned that AI-powered tools could be leveraged for espionage, data mining, and cyberattacks if left unchecked.

Meanwhile, China-based AI firms have dismissed allegations of security risks, arguing that such bans are driven more by economic and geopolitical rivalries than actual cybersecurity threats.