DHS order bans DeepSeek AI from federal civilian agency systems
The Department of Homeland Security has ordered federal civilian agencies to remove technology from Chinese AI company DeepSeek from their IT systems and to stop buying its products, CNBC reported. The order, first issued on July 24, was made public this week and published in the Federal Register on Tuesday.
What the order covers: Agencies must remove DeepSeek products, including third-party products and services built using DeepSeek’s technology, from federal civilian IT systems, and may not procure them, according to CNBC and the Federal Register notice. It applies to civilian agencies such as the Treasury, State and Justice departments but excludes the Department of Defense, CNBC reported.
Why DHS says it acted: The order says DeepSeek’s AI models “present multiple threat vectors,” CNBC reported. DHS cited the risk that sensitive government data could be transferred to China and possible malware or security vulnerabilities, pointing to open-source research that found critical flaws in DeepSeek’s iOS app.
Exceptions: Agencies can ask for exceptions, including more time to comply, by sending DHS a written justification within 60 days of the order’s issuance, CNBC reported.
China’s response: China’s foreign ministry told Reuters it would safeguard the rights and interests of its companies. “China consistently opposes the over-generalization of national security as well as the politicization of science, technology and trade issues,” spokesperson Mao Ning said, according to Reuters as cited by CNBC. DeepSeek did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.
Earlier limits: Congress restricted DeepSeek in intelligence community systems in December 2025, and Commerce Department bureaus told staff in March 2025 that DeepSeek was banned on government devices, CNBC reported, citing Reuters.
Sources
- CNBC — U.S. bans DeepSeek from government agency systems amid AI rift with China
- Federal Register — Notice of Order Regarding Exclusion and Removal of DeepSeek Products From Federal Civilian Executive Branch Information Technology Systems and Procurements
- The Wall Street Journal — DHS Orders Federal Civilian Agencies to Remove China's DeepSeek AI