U.S. lawmakers have introduced the No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act, aimed at prohibiting the use of the Chinese AI chatbot app DeepSeek on government devices due to significant security concerns.

Cybersecurity experts have expressed concerns about hidden code within DeepSeek that could send user login information to China Mobile, a state-owned telecommunications company banned from operating in the U.S.

There is evidence suggesting that user data from DeepSeek is transmitted to servers in China, although a direct connection to China Mobile servers has not been confirmed.

LaHood stated that the bipartisan bill aims to protect Americans' data and maintain U.S. leadership in AI technology, reflecting growing bipartisan efforts to regulate foreign technology companies.

The introduction of this bill occurs amid rising tensions between the U.S. and China regarding AI dominance, with the U.S. fearing a loss of technological leadership and the potential weaponization of AI systems.

Several countries, including Italy, Taiwan, South Korea, and Australia, have already banned DeepSeek on government devices due to security concerns, highlighting a global trend against foreign-owned applications.

This legislative effort underscores the ethical and security risks associated with advanced AI technologies, prompting U.S. tech companies to align with national security priorities.

Proponents of the bill argue it is necessary to prevent AI misuse, while critics warn it could isolate the U.S. from global scientific progress and collaboration.

Representatives Josh Gottheimer and Darin LaHood, who are senior members of the House Select Committee on Intelligence, emphasized that the Chinese Communist Party could exploit tools like DeepSeek to undermine U.S. national security and collect sensitive data on Americans.

The legislation specifically targets DeepSeek and any AI applications from its parent company, High-Flyer, while allowing exceptions for national security and research purposes.

Security analysis by Feroot Security has revealed that DeepSeek collects extensive data from American users, raising alarms about its potential to transmit user information to Chinese servers.

DeepSeek has rapidly gained popularity in the U.S. since its launch in January 2025, becoming the most downloaded app, but has raised alarms for potentially leaking user data to the Chinese government.