The Trump administration is exploring banning the Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek from U.S. government devices, citing national security risks.
A source familiar with the situation revealed on Friday that there are growing concerns about DeepSeek’s data practices. According to the Wall Street Journal, the company reportedly stores user information on servers in China. Discussions are currently taking place to block the app from app stores and to restrict U.S. cloud providers from offering its AI models.
In response to media report which claimed that the #US is weighing a ban on #Chinese AI chatbot #DeepSeek from US government devices over so-called national security concerns, Chinese FM spokesperson Mao Ning said at the regular press conference on Monday that China has always… pic.twitter.com/vtgYaoflfg
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) March 10, 2025
U.S. officials worry DeepSeek’s data handling could compromise security. The Journal notes these talks are preliminary but signal growing scrutiny of foreign AI tech.
DeepSeek’s affordable AI models sparked a global market sell-off in January, unsettling investors and challenging AI industry leaders. The push for a ban reflects broader tensions over China’s tech influence in the U.S.
Trump administration reportedly eyeing DeepSeek ban on US government devices https://t.co/L1TXQe24kO pic.twitter.com/oZ6TYsrxeT
— New York Post (@nypost) March 7, 2025
On Thursday, 21 state attorneys general pressed Congress to pass a bill barring DeepSeek from government devices. They argue its presence poses a direct threat.
Read: DeepSeek Reveals Cost-Profit Details of AI Models V3 and R1
The White House has yet to comment officially. As the administration weighs its next steps, DeepSeek’s fate in the U.S. hangs in the balance, with security at the forefront.