Bipartisan bill targets Chinese AI over national security concerns
In a significant move to address national security risks posed by foreign-developed artificial intelligence, U.S. lawmakers have introduced a new bill targeting the Chinese-developed AI application DeepSeek. The “No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act” seeks to prohibit the use of the AI platform on all federal devices, citing concerns over potential surveillance, data security risks, and the spread of misinformation.
The bipartisan proposal reflects increasing apprehension within the U.S. government regarding China’s influence over AI technology and its potential misuse. This legislative action aligns with past restrictions imposed on other Chinese-owned tech platforms, reinforcing a broader effort to safeguard sensitive government data from foreign interference.
A Growing Concern Over Foreign AI Technologies
DeepSeek, a powerful AI model developed in China, has gained traction for its advanced reasoning capabilities, positioning itself as a competitor to leading Western AI models. However, lawmakers warn that the app could serve as a tool for the Chinese government to access sensitive information or manipulate public discourse through AI-generated responses.
According to the bill’s sponsors, DeepSeek’s integration into federal systems presents a “clear and present risk” to national security, given China’s strict data-sharing laws that require companies to cooperate with government intelligence operations. This has fueled bipartisan fears that DeepSeek’s AI could be leveraged for espionage, data harvesting, or the spread of state-backed narratives.
Echoing Past Bans on Chinese Tech
The proposed ban follows a pattern of U.S. efforts to limit China’s tech influence, particularly in sectors involving artificial intelligence, social media, and telecommunications.
- In 2020, the U.S. government imposed restrictions on Huawei due to concerns over its 5G infrastructure being used for surveillance.
- In 2023, TikTok faced threats of a nationwide ban over fears that its parent company, ByteDance, could share user data with Chinese authorities.
- The Biden administration has tightened AI chip exports to China, aiming to curb the country’s advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
With DeepSeek now in the spotlight, lawmakers are signaling that AI-driven threats are just as pressing as those posed by hardware and social media platforms.
Industry and Policy Experts Weigh In
Cybersecurity experts have long warned about the risks of foreign-developed AI models being integrated into U.S. infrastructure.
“AI systems trained under authoritarian regimes pose unique risks,” said a senior AI researcher at a Washington-based think tank. “The concern isn’t just about data privacy; it’s about the potential for foreign adversaries to manipulate responses, influence decision-making, or embed misinformation at scale.”
Meanwhile, proponents of AI development caution against broad restrictions that could stifle innovation or escalate tensions between U.S. and Chinese tech firms. Some argue that banning DeepSeek may push China to further decouple from Western AI models, leading to a more fragmented global AI landscape with competing technological ecosystems.
What’s Next?
If passed, the No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act would bar all federal agencies from using DeepSeek’s AI applications and services, marking a major step in Washington’s crackdown on foreign AI technologies. The bill is expected to face committee hearings in the coming weeks, with strong bipartisan support anticipated.
The outcome of this legislation could set a precedent for future AI-related national security policies, shaping the U.S. government’s approach to regulating AI in an increasingly competitive and geopolitically charged landscape.
For now, DeepSeek remains accessible to the general public, but its fate on federal systems appears increasingly uncertain. As AI technology continues to evolve, so too does the global battle over its control and regulation.