US bans DeepSeek AI software across federal civilian agencies

The United States government ordered federal civilian agencies to remove artificial intelligence products and services from Chinese firm DeepSeek on October 19, 2026. Gizmodo and Bloomberg Tech both reported that the Department of Homeland Security issued the ban over national security concerns regarding the firm's operations in China. [1][2]

According to Gizmodo, the Department of Homeland Security directive applies to agencies such as the Department of State. Civilian agencies must remove all software from the Chinese artificial intelligence laboratory as well as any third-party services that rely on DeepSeek models. [1]

Gizmodo reported that Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin wrote in an accompanying July note, which was made public on October 19, 2026, that DeepSeek collects personally identifiable information during account creation. Mullin warned that the service can track and digitally fingerprint users, raising fears that sensitive data could be transferred to Beijing. [1]

Donald Trump took office as the 47th president of the United States on January 20, 2025, marking his second presidential term. Executive branch agencies operate under federal definitions set out in official manuals and federal legislation. [8][9]