- The US is considering a full ban on DeepSeek, following Italy and Taiwan, due to national security and data privacy concerns.
- Countries such as Australia, Taiwan, and the US have already banned DeepSeek on government devices, with Texas leading the way in state-level restrictions.
- Senator Josh Hawley’s proposed bill could make using Chinese AI tools illegal, imposing jail time and million-dollar fines on violators.
The Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek has become one of the most downloaded apps worldwide, but concerns over data security and national security risks have triggered government bans and regulatory investigations. Countries like Italy, Taiwan, and Australia have already taken restrictive actions, while the US is moving towards a full ban, reports Independent.
Italy Leads with a Nationwide Ban
On January 28, 2025, Italy became the first country to implement an outright ban on DeepSeek. It cited concerns over GDPR violations and data privacy risks.
The Italian Data Protection Authority blocked the app from being downloaded in the country. They launched an official investigation into its parent companies, Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence, and Beijing DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence.
Italy previously banned ChatGPT in 2023 before reinstating it after issuing a €15 million fine.
Taiwan Takes Swift Action Against DeepSeek
Taiwan has implemented strict bans on DeepSeek for government agencies, with officials citing concerns over data leaks and national security threats.
The Ministry of Digital Affairs warned that DeepSeek’s AI services involve cross-border data transmission, potentially exposing critical government and corporate infrastructure.
The Taiwanese government has advised companies and public sector organizations to avoid using the app.
Australia Bans DeepSeek from Government Systems
On February 4, 2025, Australia announced a nationwide ban on DeepSeek for all government systems and devices.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasized that while AI has great potential, the government must act decisively when national security is at risk.
The ban aligns with Australia’s broader cybersecurity strategy, which has previously restricted the use of Chinese tech products in sensitive sectors.
The US: A Full Ban in the Works?
The US has yet to impose an official nationwide ban, but DeepSeek has been restricted on government devices across various agencies, including NASA, the Pentagon’s Defense Information Systems Agency, and the US Navy.
Congressional offices have also been warned against using the app. Texas has already banned software from DeepSeek on state government devices, and more states may follow suit.
Senator Josh Hawley’s proposed bill could lead to the most extreme crackdown yet, making it illegal to use any AI technology developed in China. Violators could face up to 20 years in prison and fines reaching $1 million.
Other Countries Weighing a Ban
Beyond the countries that have already acted, others are investigating DeepSeek’s data handling practices.
Regulators in Belgium, France, and Ireland are examining whether DeepSeek complies with their data protection laws, potentially paving the way for bans.
India and South Korea have also signaled that they may restrict or regulate the AI tool due to privacy and security concerns.
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Source: Independent
