US DHS Requires Civilian Agencies to Remove DeepSeek Products, Bans Procurement

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Oct. 19, 2026 issued a notice requiring the removal of DeepSeek products—and third-party services using its AI models—from the IT systems of U.S. civilian agencies, according to Reuters.

The notice also bans civilian agencies from procuring DeepSeek products or third-party services developed on DeepSeek. DHS claimed the DeepSeek model presents “multiple threat vectors” and said sensitive data could be transferred to China if U.S. government employees or contractors use the product.

China's Foreign Ministry previously said China's AI development is an achievement of high-level scientific and technological self-reliance, and benefits from a commitment to extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, as well as open cooperation. The ministry said all parties should strengthen cooperation to promote the open, inclusive and beneficial development of AI for the well-being of all humanity.