US orders removal of China’s DeepSeek AI from federal agencies’ systems
deepseek
| Source: TechCrunch | Original article
The United States has directed all federal civilian agencies to purge DeepSeek AI products and any third‑party services that use its technology, citing national‑security concerns.
The Department of Homeland Security has issued a formal order that federal civilian agencies must cease all procurement of, and purge from their networks, products and services that incorporate technology from Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence Co., Ltd. The directive also covers any affiliated entities and third‑party offerings built on DeepSeek’s models, citing national‑security concerns.
The move tightens a series of actions taken earlier this month against the Chinese AI firm. As we reported on 20 October 2026, DeepSeek was already barred from new purchases by U.S. government bodies. The new order goes further by mandating the removal of existing DeepSeek‑derived software from agency IT systems, effectively ending the technology’s presence in the federal civilian sphere.
The decision reflects growing apprehension over the security of foreign‑origin AI tools, especially those that could embed hidden code or transmit data to overseas servers. It also underscores the broader geopolitical friction between the United States and China over advanced technologies, and signals that agencies will need to replace any displaced applications with domestically sourced or vetted alternatives.
Watchers will be looking for how quickly agencies can comply, whether any legal challenges arise, and if the order prompts additional legislative measures aimed at tightening AI supply‑chain oversight. The Chinese government’s response and any reciprocal actions could further shape the emerging regulatory landscape for AI in both nations.
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