New York bans DeepSeek AI app on government devices over security fears

New York has barred government employees from using DeepSeek’s AI app on official devices, raising fresh concerns about data security and foreign influence. The move echoes previous actions against Chinese-owned apps like TikTok.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the ban, saying the state must “combat cyber threats, ensure the privacy and safety of our data, and protect against state-sponsored censorship.”

DeepSeek, a Chinese-owned AI company, gained global attention earlier this year with its chatbot app based on the DeepSeek R-1 model. Launched in January, the app quickly climbed to the top of Apple’s App Store. Users praised its ability to handle technical queries better than competitors, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and the fact that it is free to use added to its appeal.

However, DeepSeek’s rapid rise has raised alarm bells across the U.S. tech industry. The company claims to develop its AI at a fraction of the cost of rivals, sparking fears that AI innovation may require fewer resources than previously thought. Nvidia, which produces the graphics chips widely used in AI development, saw its stock drop as investors weighed the implications.

Security concerns have been a central issue. U.S. officials worry that the app could be used for surveillance, data collection, or censorship at the behest of the Chinese government. Some users have already reported instances of content being censored, particularly criticism of China.

“Serious concerns have been raised about DeepSeek AI’s links to foreign surveillance and censorship, including its potential to collect user data and steal technology secrets,” Hochul said in her announcement.

New York is not alone in restricting the app. Texas Governor Greg Abbott banned several Chinese social media and AI apps, including DeepSeek, RedNote, and Lemon8, on state devices in late January. Meanwhile, members of Congress are introducing federal legislation, such as the “No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act,” which would bar the app across all U.S. government systems.

Beyond government devices, U.S. lawmakers are considering broader measures. Missouri Senator Josh Hawley recently proposed a bill that would restrict the import and export of AI technology with China, signalling heightened concern over Chinese AI products like DeepSeek.

The scrutiny of DeepSeek mirrors the U.S. government’s approach to TikTok. The video-sharing app faced similar accusations of data collection and propaganda influence. TikTok was banned on all federal devices in early 2023 and is set to face a nationwide ban by April unless negotiations resolve national security concerns.

As DeepSeek grows in popularity among general users, the app’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain, and officials continue to debate how to balance technological innovation with national security.