In a proactive move to safeguard state data and infrastructure, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a statewide ban on the DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence application for all government devices and networks managed by the New York State Office of Information Technology Services (ITS). This decision reflects growing concerns about the potential for foreign government surveillance and censorship linked to the AI platform.
DeepSeek AI is an artificial intelligence start-up that is owned by High-Flyer, a stock trading firm based in the People’s Republic of China. The specific capabilities of the DeepSeek AI application that warranted the ban were not disclosed in the announcement.
The primary driver behind the ban is the apprehension that DeepSeek AI could be exploited to harvest user data and potentially steal sensitive technology secrets. The connection between DeepSeek AI and the Chinese government raises red flags regarding potential surveillance and censorship.
Governor Hochul emphasized her commitment to protecting New Yorkers from both foreign and domestic threats. "Public safety is my top priority, and we’re working aggressively to protect New Yorkers from foreign and domestic threats," Governor Hochul stated. "New York will continue fighting to combat cyber threats, ensure the privacy and safety of our data, and safeguard against state-sponsored censorship."
This ban aligns with New York's broader efforts to fortify its cybersecurity defenses and proactively address emerging threats in the digital landscape. This builds upon the state banning TikTok on state devices in 2020.
This decision amplifies the state's commitment to responsible AI usage. The ban is consistent with the State’s Acceptable Use of Artificial Intelligence Technologies policy established a year prior. This existing guidance emphasizes:
These guidelines underscore the importance of striking a balance between harnessing the benefits of AI and mitigating potential risks. New York is positioning itself as a leader in responsible AI implementation in government operations. This is further demonstrated through the EmpireAI consortium.
New York State Chief Cyber Officer Colin Ahern reinforced the state's dedication: "Safeguarding New Yorker’s critical infrastructure, privacy, freedom from censorship are central pillars of Governor Hochul’s security and resilience agenda. This action today demonstrates we will continue to defend New York from cyber threats.”
The ban on DeepSeek AI reflects New York's vigilance and proactive approach to cybersecurity. By prioritizing data protection and mitigating potential risks associated with AI technologies, the state aims to create a secure and resilient digital environment for its citizens and government operations.
