U.S. bans federal civilian agency systems from using DeepSeek technology

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has published an order signed on July 24 prohibiting federal civilian agencies from using DeepSeek-related technology in IT systems and prohibiting the procurement of its products and services. The ban also covers third-party products and services developed using DeepSeek models, but does not apply to the Department of Defense. DHS says DeepSeek models have multiple threat paths, including that sensitive government data may be obtained by and flow to the Chinese side, and that the models may carry malicious code or other security vulnerabilities, and cites open-source research indicating that its iOS app has multiple serious vulnerabilities. Previously, Congress restricted the intelligence community's use of DeepSeek in December 2025, and the Department of Commerce informed employees in March of the same year that it was banned on government devices. Agencies may submit a written explanation within 60 days of the order's issuance to apply for an exemption or deferral of implementation.