U.S. government bans DeepSeek AI app from civilian federal IT systems

Homeland Security warned that DeepSeek’s models “present multiple threat vectors” and that their use “may result in the transfer of sensitive data to China” if accessed by U.S. government employees or vendors. The agency also cited research showing critical vulnerabilities in DeepSeek’s iOS app, suggesting possible malware or security flaws. The ban follows similar actions by South Korea, Italy and Germany, and earlier U.S. restrictions by the Commerce Department and the Navy in 2025. Rep. John Moolenaar, chair of the House Select Committee on China, praised the measure, calling DeepSeek a “dangerous AI model” and supporting the administration’s “commonsense AI guardrail.”