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The Pentagon has blocked access to DeepSeek, a Chinese AI chatbot, over national security concerns linked to its data storage on Chinese servers. The move comes after reports that U.S. Department of Defense employees accessed the chatbot on government computers, raising alarms over potential data exposure. The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) swiftly intervened, reflecting growing U.S. scrutiny of Chinese AI tools and their compliance with Beijing’s data laws.
While some employees were still able to use the service, late Tuesday, the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA)—which manages the Pentagon's IT networks—began blocking access to DeepSeek. These actions show that the U.S. government is increasingly taking a closer look at Chinese AI technology, particularly by maintaining the security of data and the risk of misuse of sensitive information.
On January 24, the Navy swiftly banned DeepSeek for all its personnel, citing security and ethical concerns. DeepSeek, boosted by popularity, triggered alarms at the Navy, which had a standing policy against using open-source AI tools for official work. Lieutenant Commander Lauren Chatmas, spokesperson, confirmed that DeepSeek had been mentioned in internal correspondence for this existing guidance.
For its part, the Department of the Air Force has not yet set a policy for DeepSeek. It has banned using sensitive public information in commercial AI systems if proper approvals are not given. Earlier in 2024, the Army had already issued guidance warning of the risks of data privacy, security, and control over generated content in generative AI tools. Now, service members are considering issuing new policies that would explicitly prohibit Chinese-origin generative AI models.
However, DeepSeek’s explosive rise in the US and abroad has broadened concerns about the threats that Chinese AI technologies could pose to national security. The service has become popular, topping Apple and Play Store download charts. However, it uses Chinese data centers and legally complies with Chinese law, raising questions about its reliance on AI capability.
While tech executives and industry experts have applauded DeepSeek as ingenious, it fails to quell fears over its origin. The Pentagon's decision to bar the DeepSeek tool and then prevent its use demonstrates the importance of owners having control of access to systems that could endanger national security.
