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.

The order, filed on Monday, also covers DeepSeek affiliates and third-party products and services developed using DeepSeek implementations while prohibiting affected agencies from making new purchases.

DHS warned that use of DeepSeek by government employees and contractors could expose sensitive information to China, potentially revealing details about US citizens and federal programs.

The department also pointed to security vulnerabilities identified in DeepSeek’s iOS application.

The restrictions took immediate effect upon publication of the order on Tuesday.

The order expands earlier US restrictions on DeepSeek, including bans within the Commerce Department and portions of the US defense, security and intelligence community, amid competition between Washington and Beijing for leadership in artificial intelligence.

Australia banned its products from government systems and devices in February 2025.