The US government banned Chinese AI startup DeepSeek from civilian U.S. government agencies, citing security concerns.

Axar.az informs, citing CNBC, the Department of Homeland Security on Monday made public the order requiring federal civilian agencies to remove DeepSeek-related technology from their IT systems and barring them from procuring DeepSeek products and services.

The ban applies to federal civilian agency IT systems, including third-party products and services developed using the company’s technology.

DeepSeek’s AI models “present multiple threat vectors,” the latest DHS order states, citing concerns over potential access to sensitive data by Chinese authorities and potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

The agency also warned that using DeepSeek’s AI models could result in sensitive U.S. government data being transferred to China, potentially providing intelligence on American citizens and government programs.

China consistently opposes overstretching the concept of national security and politicizing science, technology, economic and trade issues, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday.

"We will resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies," Mao said.