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US orders federal civilian agencies to remove DeepSeek AI from their systems
In brief
The US Department of Homeland Security has made public an order telling federal civilian agencies to strip technology from Chinese AI company DeepSeek out of their computer systems and to stop buying its products. The order dates from July 24 and was released on Monday, October 19, according to CNBC and Reuters.
What the order covers
The directive applies to civilian departments such as the Treasury, State and Justice departments, but not to the Department of Defense. It reaches beyond DeepSeek's own chatbot and app: products and services from other companies that are built on DeepSeek's AI models are also covered, CNBC reported. Agencies can ask for an exception or more time by sending a written justification to Homeland Security within 60 days of the order.
Why the government says it acted
According to the reports, the order says DeepSeek's models present several security risks. The main worry is that sensitive government information could end up being sent to China. The department also pointed to outside research that found serious security flaws in DeepSeek's iPhone app. Asked about the move, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry told Reuters that Beijing opposes stretching the idea of national security too far and would protect the rights of its companies.
Part of a longer pattern
This is not the first US restriction on DeepSeek. Since the company's AI models drew worldwide attention in early 2025, the Pentagon's IT agency, parts of the Commerce Department and the intelligence community have each limited its use. The new order is the broadest so far for civilian agencies. It does not ban the public from using DeepSeek.
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This is our own summary of news reports. ViralScopeHub is not affiliated with any government agency or AI company.
Why it matters
The order shows how worries about data security are shaping which AI tools governments allow, and it may influence how companies and schools choose AI services too.
People also ask
Is DeepSeek banned for everyone in the US?
No. The order applies to federal civilian agency computer systems and purchases. It does not stop members of the public from using DeepSeek.
Which agencies are covered?
Federal civilian agencies such as the Treasury, State and Justice departments. The Department of Defense is not covered by this order.
Why was DeepSeek banned from government systems?
Homeland Security cited the risk that sensitive government data could be transferred to China, along with security flaws researchers found in DeepSeek's app.
Related free tools: Password Generator
Sources
Every ViralScopeHub news item is an original summary written in our own words. We link to the original reporting so you can read the full story from the publisher.
