DHS orders DeepSeek technology removed from federal civilian IT systems

The Department of Homeland Security has ordered federal civilian agencies to remove AI technology developed by China’s DeepSeek from their IT systems, The Wall Street Journal reported Oct. 19. Citing a DHS notice, the Journal also reported that the order bars future purchases of DeepSeek products and services.

The restrictions reach beyond products sold directly by DeepSeek. The Journal reported that they also cover products developed by DeepSeek affiliates and third-party products and services built using DeepSeek implementations.

RuntimeWire reported that the underlying order is dated July 24, although the notice was filed for public inspection Oct. 19 and scheduled for Federal Register publication Oct. 20. RuntimeWire also reported that agencies could seek exceptions, but the 60-day period for requesting one had elapsed by the public filing.