In a significant move reflecting rising concerns over cybersecurity and national security, U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat from New Jersey, and Darin LaHood, a Republican from Illinois, introduced the "No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act" in the House on Thursday. The bipartisan bill aims to prohibit federal employees from using the Chinese AI app DeepSeek on government-owned electronics. The legislation emerges amid apprehensions regarding the app's potential for surveillance and misinformation by the Chinese government.
The Associated Press reported the bill's introduction, highlighting its similarity to existing policies banning the use of TikTok on federal devices. The proposed legislation seeks to prevent DeepSeek from accessing federal networks, addressing security and integrity concerns within these critical infrastructures.
DeepSeek has gained attention for its claim of developing an AI model at a fraction of the cost compared to American counterparts. However, the app's Chinese origins have raised alarms among U.S. lawmakers. The concern centers around the potential exploitation of the app by the Chinese government for espionage or to disseminate misinformation, posing a threat to national security.
If passed, the bill would enforce a ban on the use of DeepSeek by federal employees on government-issued devices. The legislation reflects a broader effort to safeguard U.S. federal networks from foreign influence and interference, echoing similar actions taken against other foreign apps.
The bipartisan nature of the bill underscores the unified stance among lawmakers across party lines regarding national security. Gottheimer and LaHood emphasized that protecting sensitive government information and maintaining the integrity of federal systems are paramount in the face of technological advancements that could be weaponized.
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