State Attorneys General Demand Action to Ban DeepSeek AI App from Government Devices

State Attorneys General Demand Action to Ban DeepSeek AI App from Government Devices

State attorneys general are amplifying concerns regarding national security by urging Congress to implement a ban on the Chinese-owned DeepSeek AI application across all government devices. They describe China as a clear and present danger to the United States.

The call to action comes in a formal letter signed by 21 attorneys general directed towards leaders in both the House and Senate. The letter indicates that DeepSeek could serve as a tool for Chinese espionage aimed at undermining America’s national security.

In their correspondence, the attorneys general express urgency, stating that given the Chinese government’s intent to gather U.S. secrets, Congress should swiftly enact legislation prohibiting DeepSeek’s use within government agencies. The letter references a previous legislative measure passed two years ago that aimed to prevent the popular TikTok app from exfiltrating sensitive information.

Growing Concerns Over DeepSeek’s Threat

Austin Knudsen, the attorney general of Montana, authored the letter. He elaborated on the dangers posed by DeepSeek, suggesting that China is actively attempting to capture critical information from the United States. A prominent message from Knudsen urged that Congress take decisive action by advancing the No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act.

Concerns surrounding Chinese intellectual property theft have intensified over the past several years, leading to an ongoing debate among public officials regarding the safety and security of sensitive data. Recently, Mark Green, the Republican chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, proposed legislation to prohibit DeepSeek.

DeepSeek operates as an AI-driven search and data analysis platform based in Hangzhou, China, and is owned by the quant hedge fund High-Flyer. The recent launch of DeepSeek’s new AI model, which boasts lower operational costs compared to offerings from major players like Meta and OpenAI, has further escalated fears among U.S. businesses. A key feature of the app includes a chatbot function comparable to California-based ChatGPT.

Data Privacy Risks Associated with DeepSeek

Attorneys general argue that DeepSeek could be exploited by Chinese intelligence operatives to compromise the national security infrastructure of the United States. With capabilities to collect extensive user data, including chat history, keystrokes, and IP addresses, DeepSeek might transmit sensitive information directly to the Chinese Communist Party.

Countries such as Canada, Australia, South Korea, Taiwan, and Italy have already prohibited the use of DeepSeek, reflecting serious apprehensions about the app’s security implications. In addition, several U.S. states, including Virginia, Texas, and New York, have enacted similar bans on government devices.

The message within the attorneys general’s letter strongly advocates for congressional action, paralleling past efforts to restrict TikTok, emphasizing the need to safeguard America’s national security interests by banning DeepSeek.

Political Calls for Immediate Action

The letter also specifies that if Congress has yet to take steps to administratively ban DeepSeek, the Trump Administration should quickly implement such a ban. This aligns with a broader strategy to protect the country from what the letter describes as a potent adversary.

With the infrastructure for AI technology rapidly evolving, the implications of DeepSeek’s functionalities pose serious questions. It reflects a growing concern among lawmakers, thinking about how foreign technology might threaten American security.

High-Flyer, the company behind DeepSeek, has not yet responded to inquiries from Fox News Digital regarding these serious allegations.

The letter’s signatories include attorneys general from Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.

From intelligence operations to tech regulations, the debate surrounding DeepSeek exemplifies the increasing scrutiny of foreign technologies and their regulation in the landscape of national security.

Implications for National Security Policy

The ongoing dialogue concerning DeepSeek and similar applications underscores the complexities involved in managing global technological innovations and their potential infringement on national security. State officials are recognizing the critical need for legislative measures that address these emerging risks.

As policymakers navigate the intersection of technology and security, the need for comprehensive regulations will likely become even more pronounced. In an age marked by rapid AI advancements, ensuring the safety of government devices is paramount.

As discussions around these issues develop, the focus will remain on balancing national security interests with the opportunities that artificial intelligence can offer.