In an era of increasing digital threats, safeguarding sensitive government and user data is paramount. A new bipartisan effort is underway to address potential risks posed by foreign-linked technology. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Darin LaHood (IL-16) are introducing legislation aimed at protecting Americans from data breaches related to the DeepSeek AI application.
The "No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act" directly addresses concerns about the potential misuse of American data by prohibiting federal employees from using the DeepSeek application on government-issued devices. This pre-emptive measure is rooted in growing anxieties over national security and the influence of foreign entities on domestic technology.
At the heart of this legislative push is the concern that DeepSeek has direct ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). New research suggests that DeepSeek's code possesses the capability to share user data with China Mobile. Given that China Mobile is owned by the Chinese government and has close ties to the Chinese military, this raises significant alarm bells. The FCC has already banned China Mobile from operating in the United States, citing national security risks.
The type of data being shared by American users on platforms like DeepSeek is highly sensitive, including:
This information, if accessible to a foreign adversary like the CCP, could be exploited to undermine U.S. national security interests.
Congressman Josh Gottheimer emphasizes the urgency of the situation: "The Chinese Communist Party has made it abundantly clear that it will exploit any tool at its disposal to undermine our national security, spew harmful disinformation, and collect data on Americans...We simply can’t risk the CCP infiltrating the devices of our government officials and jeopardizing our national security."
Congressman Darin LaHood echoes this sentiment, stating that failing to protect American data could have serious strategic consequences: "The technology race with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is not one the United States can afford to lose...Under no circumstances can we allow a CCP company to obtain sensitive government or personal data...It is critical that Congress safeguard Americans’ data and continue to ensure American leadership in AI."
The concerns surrounding DeepSeek draw parallels to previous debates about TikTok, highlighting a recurring pattern of potential risks associated with foreign-owned social media and AI applications. This legislation seeks to prevent a similar scenario where sensitive data could be accessed and potentially misused by a foreign government. It underscores the importance of proactively addressing these kinds of threats and reassessing current risk levels.
The "No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act" represents a significant step toward protecting American data and national security. As the bill progresses through Congress, it is expected to generate further discussion about the role of foreign technology in the U.S. and the measures needed to safeguard sensitive information in an increasingly interconnected world.
