Bipartisan Bill Aims to Block DeepSeek from Government Devices, Trump Calls It a “Good Development”
In a significant move to bolster national security, bipartisan legislation has been introduced to prevent the controversial app DeepSeek from being downloaded on government devices. President Donald Trump has praised the initiative, calling it “a good development” and highlighting its potential as a cost-effective way to harness artificial intelligence. The bill, aptly named the “No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act,” is co-sponsored by Representatives Darin LaHood (R-Illinois) and Josh Gottheimer (D-New Jersey), showcasing a rare moment of unity in a politically divided landscape.
LaHood, a staunch advocate for national security, expressed his concerns about DeepSeek, which he claims is affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). “The national security threat that DeepSeek poses to the United States is alarming,” he stated. “DeepSeek’s generative AI program acquires the data of U.S. users and stores the information for unidentified use by the CCP. Under no circumstances can we allow a CCP company to obtain sensitive government or personal data.”
The urgency of this legislation stems from the lawmakers’ warnings about the potential risks associated with DeepSeek. In a recent news release, they emphasized that if the app were to be downloaded on federal workers’ devices, it could lead to the collection of sensitive information, putting both national security and personal privacy at risk. Gottheimer echoed these sentiments, stating, “The Chinese Communist Party has made it abundantly clear that it will exploit any tool at its disposal to undermine our national security, spew harmful disinformation, and collect data on Americans. Now, we have deeply disturbing evidence that they are using DeepSeek to steal the sensitive data of U.S. citizens. This is a five-alarm national security fire.”
The introduction of this bill comes as the House National Security Agency and Cyber Subcommittee, led by LaHood and Gottheimer, held its first hearing of the new Congress last Friday. The committee is tasked with addressing pressing cybersecurity issues, and the potential threat posed by DeepSeek has quickly risen to the top of their agenda.
As the debate unfolds, the implications of this legislation could be far-reaching. With the rapid advancement of technology and the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence, the need for robust security measures has never been more critical. The bipartisan support for the “No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act” reflects a growing consensus that safeguarding sensitive information from foreign adversaries is paramount.
In a time when the lines between technology, privacy, and national security are becoming increasingly blurred, this bill represents a proactive step towards protecting American citizens and government operations from potential threats. As the legislative process moves forward, many will be watching closely to see how this issue develops and what it means for the future of technology use in government.
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