Australia Prohibits DeepSeek on Government Devices, Citing Security Concerns

This ban affects all government devices while raising growing concerns across other nations regarding data privacy and security.

In a significant move, Australia has officially banned the use of DeepSeek’s services on all government devices, attributing the decision to security risks posed by the Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup. After making headlines in January with the launch of a chatbot that reportedly matched US competitors in performance at a fraction of the cost, DeepSeek has faced increasing scrutiny.

The Australian government insists that this ban is not a direct response to its Chinese origins, but rather stems from the "unacceptable risk" its technologies could impose on national security. DeepSeek has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the ban.

The new regulation specifically mandates government entities to prohibit the installation and use of any DeepSeek products or applications and to disconnect any previously installed services from all government devices. This will impact various workers across multiple sectors, including vital services such as the Australia Electoral Commission and the Bureau of Meteorology. There are uncertainties around whether this ban will extend to public educational institutions, as well.

Australia's actions reflect a pattern seen in several Western nations concerning Chinese technology. In the past, companies like Huawei and platforms like TikTok have faced significant restrictions due to national security apprehensions. When DeepSeek first gained momentum, the app was quickly downloaded in the UK and US, with some viewing it as a competitive edge. Former President Donald Trump termed the rise of DeepSeek as a "wake-up call" for America, though opinions have since become more cautious.

Australian officials have previously highlighted the importance of vigilance regarding DeepSeek due to potential data and privacy issues. The app is already facing scrutiny in other nations, having been banned in Italy and investigated in South Korea, Ireland, and France over concerns about user data management, particularly due to its data storage practices in China. The United States is now also reviewing possible security implications related to the app. Reports suggest that the US Navy has already barred its staff from utilizing DeepSeek, although they've not officially confirmed this information.

As AI tools typically analyze user prompts to refine their functionalities, security experts warn that users involved in sensitive or classified work should be mindful of the risks inherent in using chatbots, with fears that sensitive data could be compromised in the process.