DHS orders federal agencies to remove DeepSeek products
Homeland Security has ordered civilian agencies to stop buying DeepSeek products and to remove them from their computers, according to CNBC. The ban also covers outside tools built on DeepSeek's AI models. It does not apply to the Defense Department, CNBC reported.
The Department of Homeland Security has ordered federal civilian agencies to remove technology from Chinese AI startup DeepSeek from their IT systems and to stop buying its products and services, CNBC reported. The ban covers third-party products and services built with DeepSeek's technology, according to CNBC.
The order was first issued on July 24, CNBC reported. It was made under the Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act of 2018, according to the notice in the Federal Register. The order applies to civilian agencies including the Treasury, State and Justice departments but not the Defense Department, CNBC reported.
DeepSeek's models "present multiple threat vectors," the order states, according to CNBC. DHS warned that using DeepSeek's models could send sensitive government data to China, CNBC reported. The department also pointed to research that found critical vulnerabilities in DeepSeek's iOS app, according to CNBC.
Agencies can ask for exceptions or more time by sending a written justification within 60 days of the order's issuance, CNBC reported.
China's foreign ministry said it would safeguard the rights and interests of its companies, CNBC reported, citing Reuters. Spokesperson Mao Ning said China "consistently opposes the over-generalization of national security," according to Reuters via CNBC. DeepSeek did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.
Congress restricted DeepSeek on intelligence community systems in December 2025, CNBC reported. In March 2025, Commerce Department bureaus barred it on government devices, Reuters reported at the time, according to CNBC.
What we know: Federal civilian agencies must remove DeepSeek products and stop buying them unless they win an exception.
What we don't: How many agencies use DeepSeek-based tools and will seek exceptions. Only CNBC has reported this independently so far, and NewsHabit hasn't seen independent confirmation.
Where outlets agree The Federal Register notice and CNBC say DHS ordered federal civilian agencies to remove DeepSeek products and stop buying them, including third-party products built with its technology.
Where they differ China's foreign ministry said it would safeguard its companies' rights and interests, CNBC reported, citing Reuters, while DeepSeek did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.