Chinese artificial intelligence company DeepSeek has faced mounting scrutiny from regulators worldwide, with concerns over data privacy, national security, and potential ties to the Chinese government.

Governments and institutions fear that DeepSeek’s AI models and chatbots could leak sensitive data due to Chinese regulations that require companies to share user information with intelligence agencies upon request.

According to a TechCrunch report, reviewed by Channel8, hundreds of companies and government bodies have banned DeepSeek, citing cybersecurity and data protection risks.

Here’s a list of countries and U.S. entities that have officially restricted or banned DeepSeek’s applications and AI technology:

Countries That Have Banned DeepSeek

🇮🇹 Italy

Reason for Ban: Data privacy violations under the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Regulatory Action:

-The Italian Data Protection Authority (DPA) investigated DeepSeek’s data collection and storage practices.

-The DPA ordered the removal of DeepSeek apps from Apple and Google Play stores in Italy.

-DeepSeek’s Response: Argued that its applications are not subject to EU law, a claim rejected by Italian regulators.

🇹🇼 Taiwan

Reason for Ban: National security concerns and risk of cross-border data leaks.

Regulatory Action:

Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs prohibited all government agencies from using DeepSeek AI.

The ban extends to public schools and state-owned enterprises.

Official Statement:

“DeepSeek AI is a Chinese product. Its operation poses several information security concerns.”

U.S. Entities That Have Banned DeepSeek

 U.S. Congress

-Issued a security warning against DeepSeek’s AI models.

-House Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) flagged DeepSeek for potential malware risks.

Ban Coverage:

DeepSeek’s functionality restricted on all House-issued devices.

General Accounting Office (GAO) prohibits employees from installing DeepSeek apps.

U.S. Texas (State-Level Ban)

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed an executive order banning DeepSeek and other Chinese AI applications on all state-issued devices.

Official Statement:

“Texas will not allow China to infiltrate our state’s critical infrastructure with data-gathering AI and social media applications.”

 U.S. Navy

Issued a directive prohibiting service members from using DeepSeek technology.

Ban Includes:

-Personal and work-related use.

-Downloading or installing DeepSeek AI apps on any device.

 The Pentagon

-The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) officially banned DeepSeek’s website from being accessed within the Pentagon’s IT networks.

-However, some DoD personnel can access DeepSeek AI through Ask Sage, a certified platform that does not connect directly to Chinese servers.

 NASA

CNBC obtained an internal memo stating that:

-DeepSeek is prohibited from being used with NASA data and systems.

-Employees are barred from accessing DeepSeek AI on government-issued devices and networks.

Security Concern: The agency flagged that DeepSeek’s servers operate outside the United States, posing national security risks.

 Summary

 Countries that have banned DeepSeek:

-Italy (GDPR violations, privacy concerns)

-Taiwan (National security risks, data leaks)

-U.S. government bodies that have restricted or banned DeepSeek:

-U.S. Congress (Security threats, malware risks)

-Texas (State-wide ban on government devices)

- U.S. Navy (Prohibited for military use)

- The Pentagon (Banned on defense networks, with limited exceptions)

NASA (Full ban on government devices and data use)

As scrutiny over Chinese AI technologies grows, more countries and entities may follow suit in restricting DeepSeek, citing data privacy and national security threats.