US lawmakers introduce bill to ban DeepSeek from government devices
US lawmakers on Thursday brought forth a bill to ban Chinese artificial intelligence program DeepSeek from being used on government devices over concerns about user data security.
Representative Josh Gottheimer, a New Jersey Democrat, introduced the bill along with Darin LaHood, an Illinois Republican, citing an 'alarming threat to US national security' and warning of 'direct ties' between DeepSeek and the Chinese government.
The bill comes after a Wednesday report by Feroot Security, a US cybersecurity firm, found that the AI model contains hidden code capable of transmitting user data to China Mobile, a state-owned telecom firm.
Chinese startup DeepSeek shocked the global AI industry last month with the launch of its low-cost, high-quality chatbot, which shook the lead the United States and other countries had in the ongoing race to develop the technology.
'The Chinese Communist Party has made it abundantly clear that it will exploit any tool at its disposal to undermine our national security, spew harmful disinformation, and collect data on Americans,' Gottheimer said in a statement.
LaHood, calling DeepSeek a 'CCP-affiliated company,' said that 'under no circumstances' can it be allowed to 'obtain sensitive government or personal data.'
The legislation in the House of Representatives comes as South Korean ministries and police said they were blocking DeepSeek's access to their computers after the company did not respond to a data watchdog request about how it manages user information.
Australia has also banned DeepSeek from all government devices on the advice of security agencies, while France and Italy have raised concerns about DeepSeek's data practices.
Separately, video-sharing app TikTok is facing down a US law that orders the company to divest from its Chinese owner ByteDance or be banned in the United States.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leaders
a day ago
- Leaders
Protests Sweep US Over Immigration Policies
Protests against hardline immigration tactics erupted across the United States, following days of demonstrations in Los Angeles. California has prepared for a legal showdown over President Donald Trump's military deployment on Thursday. In Los Angeles, over 1,000 people gathered peacefully for the sixth consecutive day of protests. The crowd marched through the streets, expressing their discontent with the current administration's policies. Curfews and Vandalism in Los Angeles City leaders imposed a second night of curfew to address after-dark vandalism and looting. These incidents scarred several city blocks in the sprawling 500-square-mile metropolis. 'I would say for the most part everything is hunky dory right here at Ground Zero,' said protester Lynn Sturgis, 66, a retired school teacher. 'Our city is not at all on fire; it's not burning down, as our terrible leader is trying to tell you.' The mostly peaceful protests ignited due to a sudden escalation in efforts to apprehend undocumented migrants. Although pockets of violence occurred, including burning self-driving taxis and hurling stones at police, the Los Angeles Police Department managed the situation effectively. In Spokane, Washington, police declared a night curfew after arresting over 30 protesters. Police Chief Kevin Hall reported that officers fired pepper balls to disperse crowds during the unrest. Trump's Military Deployment and Political Maneuvering Trump won the election last year partly by promising to combat what he claims is an 'invasion' of undocumented migrants. He now seizes the opportunity to gain political capital by ordering the California National Guard's deployment. This marks the first time a U.S. president has taken such action in decades, despite Governor Gavin Newsom's objections. 'We're going to have a safe country,' Trump told reporters while attending a performance of 'Les Miserables' in Washington. 'We're not going to have what would have happened in Los Angeles. Remember, if I wasn't there… Los Angeles would have been burning to the ground.' Around 1,000 of the 4,700 troops deployed actively guard facilities and work alongside ICE agents. Scott Sherman, Deputy Commanding General Army North, leads these operations. The remaining troops, including 700 active-duty Marines, undergo training to handle civil disturbances. Financial Implications and Political Tensions The Pentagon announced that the deployment will cost taxpayers $134 million. Governor Newsom, a Democrat eyeing a potential 2028 presidential run, accused Trump of escalating the confrontation for political gain. He warned that this unprecedented militarization could extend beyond California's borders, claiming 'democracy is under assault right before our eyes.' On Thursday, California lawyers sought a court order to block troops from accompanying immigration officers during arrests. Trump administration lawyers dismissed this application as a 'crass political stunt.' Unyielding Protesters Across the Country Despite Trump's threats to deploy the National Guard to other Democratic-run states, protesters remained undeterred, with demonstrations occurred in St. Louis, Raleigh, Manhattan, Indianapolis, and Denver. In San Antonio, hundreds marched and chanted near city hall, where Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott deployed the state's National Guard. A nationwide 'No Kings' movement is planned for Saturday, coinciding with Trump's unusual military parade in the U.S. capital. The Trump administration portrays the protests as a violent threat to the nation, justifying military support for immigration agents and police. However, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass argued that Washington manufactured the crisis. 'A week ago, everything was peaceful in the city of Los Angeles,' she told reporters. 'Things began to be difficult on Friday when raids took place… that is the cause of the problems. This was provoked by the White House.' Short link : Post Views: 1
Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
US pulls nonessential staff from Middle East posts amid rising tensions
WASHINGTON — The United States has ordered the departure of nonessential staff from several diplomatic and military posts across the Middle East, citing rising regional tensions and the growing uncertainty around stalled nuclear talks with Iran. The State Department announced Wednesday it had directed nonessential personnel to leave the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. Additionally, it authorized voluntary departure for staff and family members in Bahrain and Kuwait. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also approved the optional exit of military dependents across the region, according to U.S. Central Command. 'These decisions are based on the most recent security assessments and our unwavering commitment to the safety of Americans abroad,' said White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly. The move comes amid faltering negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program, which U.S. officials say appears to be nearing a critical impasse. The sixth round of talks, tentatively planned for this weekend in Oman, now appears unlikely to proceed, according to two U.S. officials. President Donald Trump, speaking on the "Pod Force One" podcast, voiced skepticism about the potential for a deal. 'I'm getting more and more less confident about it,' he said, blaming delays on Tehran and hinting at potential military action should diplomacy fail. In response, Iran's Defense Minister Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that any conflict would place all U.S. bases in the region within Iranian reach. 'If conflict is imposed on us, the opponent's casualties will certainly be more than ours,' he said, adding that Tehran was fully prepared to retaliate. The situation has also prompted maritime security concerns. The UK Maritime Trade Operations center issued a warning to vessels transiting the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Strait of Hormuz, citing potential military escalation. Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency is considering a motion to censure Iran over its nuclear activities — a move that could reactivate UN sanctions suspended under the 2015 nuclear deal, which the Trump administration exited during his first term. While the U.S. drawdown affects only limited personnel, it signals growing concern about the stability of the region. Iraqi officials, however, downplayed the threat, noting no direct indicators of danger in Baghdad. — Agencies
Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
US pulls nonessential staff from Middle East posts amid rising tensions with Iran
WASHINGTON — The United States has ordered the departure of nonessential staff from several diplomatic and military posts across the Middle East, citing rising regional tensions and the growing uncertainty around stalled nuclear talks with Iran. The State Department announced Wednesday it had directed nonessential personnel to leave the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. Additionally, it authorized voluntary departure for staff and family members in Bahrain and Kuwait. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also approved the optional exit of military dependents across the region, according to U.S. Central Command. 'These decisions are based on the most recent security assessments and our unwavering commitment to the safety of Americans abroad,' said White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly. The move comes amid faltering negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program, which U.S. officials say appears to be nearing a critical impasse. The sixth round of talks, tentatively planned for this weekend in Oman, now appears unlikely to proceed, according to two U.S. officials. President Donald Trump, speaking on the "Pod Force One" podcast, voiced skepticism about the potential for a deal. 'I'm getting more and more less confident about it,' he said, blaming delays on Tehran and hinting at potential military action should diplomacy fail. In response, Iran's Defense Minister Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that any conflict would place all U.S. bases in the region within Iranian reach. 'If conflict is imposed on us, the opponent's casualties will certainly be more than ours,' he said, adding that Tehran was fully prepared to retaliate. The situation has also prompted maritime security concerns. The UK Maritime Trade Operations center issued a warning to vessels transiting the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Strait of Hormuz, citing potential military escalation. Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency is considering a motion to censure Iran over its nuclear activities — a move that could reactivate UN sanctions suspended under the 2015 nuclear deal, which the Trump administration exited during his first term. While the U.S. drawdown affects only limited personnel, it signals growing concern about the stability of the region. Iraqi officials, however, downplayed the threat, noting no direct indicators of danger in Baghdad. — Agencies
