US bars Chinese AI tool DeepSeek from federal civilian agency networks
The US has banned Chinese AI tool DeepSeek from networks used by federal civilian agencies.
Washington has ordered agencies to remove the Chinese company's software, saying it could expose data and create cybersecurity risks. China says the US is using technology for political purposes.
The United States has banned Chinese artificial intelligence company DeepSeek from networks used by federal civilian agencies. The US says the tool could create spying and cybersecurity risks as its technology rivalry with China grows.
“DeepSeek's models present multiple threat vectors,” James Percival, the top lawyer at the US Department of Homeland Security, said in an order on Monday. This means the models could create several kinds of security threats.
Percival warned that DeepSeek's servers are in China. He said Chinese laws give government cyber and intelligence agencies broad powers to access the computer systems of private companies.
The order said the way DeepSeek works could allow other countries to intercept sensitive questions about government operations. It warned that sending information to China “could produce actionable intelligence on US persons and/or government programs”. In other words, the information could help others learn useful details about US people or government programs.
The department said independent reviews had also found serious security weaknesses in DeepSeek's mobile software and risks that could allow users to be identified or tracked through their digital fingerprints.
Agencies ordered to remove software
The order tells civilian agencies in the executive branch to remove all existing DeepSeek software immediately. They must also remove related tools and third-party apps built using DeepSeek's technology. Federal authorities must take the company off lists of approved products as well.
Agencies can ask for an exception in writing within 60 days. They must send their requests through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency if they believe the software is essential to their work.
While agencies remove the software, they must put temporary security measures in place. These include keeping more detailed records of network activity, strictly controlling data sent outside their networks, and continuously watching for unusual network traffic.
Beijing rejects US measures
China opposed the restrictions on Tuesday and accused Washington of using technology and economic issues for political purposes.
“China has consistently opposed overstretching the concept of national security and politicising science, technology and economic and trade issues,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters in Beijing.
“China will firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies,” she added.
SOURCE:Anadolu Agency