US Bans DeepSeek From Civilian Agency IT Systems

The US Department of Homeland Security has ordered the removal of DeepSeek products from federal civilian agency IT systems, according to a report by Cointelegraph. The order, filed on Monday, extends earlier restrictions within US defense and security agencies amid growing competition between Washington and Beijing for artificial intelligence leadership.

Scope of the Federal Order

The directive covers DeepSeek affiliates and third-party products and services developed using DeepSeek implementations. Furthermore, the order prohibits affected agencies from making new purchases involving the technology. The Department of Homeland Security warned that the use of DeepSeek by government employees and contractors could expose sensitive information to China, potentially revealing details concerning United States citizens and federal programs.

Security Vulnerabilities and Expansion

The department also cited security vulnerabilities identified within DeepSeek’s iOS application. The restrictions took immediate effect upon publication of the order on Tuesday. This latest action builds upon earlier US restrictions that already banned the technology within the Commerce Department as well as portions of the US defense, security, and intelligence community.

Key Facts

• The US Department of Homeland Security ordered the removal of DeepSeek products from federal civilian agency IT systems on Monday.
• The restrictions prohibit new purchases and cover DeepSeek affiliates and third-party services built using its implementations.
• The department cited potential exposure of sensitive US information to China and security vulnerabilities in the iOS application.
• Australia previously banned DeepSeek products from government systems and devices in February 2025.