The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has ordered federal civilian agencies to remove products developed by China’s DeepSeek from their information technology systems and exclude them from government procurement. The restrictions also cover certain third-party products and services developed using DeepSeek technology.
According to a notice published in the US Federal Register on October 20, 2026, the order excludes IT products and services developed by DeepSeek and its affiliated entities from federal civilian agency procurement. It also requires the removal of DeepSeek-related products from these agencies’ IT systems.
Why Did the US Introduce the Restrictions?
The decision is aimed at protecting government information systems and securing the federal technology supply chain. The official notice states that the order was issued under the Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act of 2018 and its implementing regulations.
Artificial intelligence tools such as DeepSeek can support a range of tasks, including text analysis, document processing and software development. However, their use in government environments also raises questions about where information is processed, who can access it and how sensitive data is protected.
Concerns about the potential transfer of sensitive information to China form part of the context surrounding the restrictions. However, these security concerns should not be interpreted as proof that a specific data leak has occurred.
Which Products and Services Are Covered?
The order applies to federal civilian agencies’ IT systems and procurement activities. It does not amount to a nationwide ban on DeepSeek for all individuals or private businesses in the United States.
The official notice identifies three broad categories covered by the restrictions:
- IT products and services developed by DeepSeek;
- Products developed by entities affiliated with DeepSeek, as defined under applicable regulations;
- Third-party IT products and services developed using DeepSeek implementations.
This means the restrictions extend beyond products marketed directly under the DeepSeek name. Other products incorporating DeepSeek technology may also fall within the scope of the order.
What Does the Decision Mean for AI Security?
The decision highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity and supply-chain risk assessments when governments adopt artificial intelligence technologies. For public institutions, evaluating an AI tool involves more than its technical capabilities: data handling, access controls and security arrangements are also important considerations.
