Chinese-owned app DeepSeek must be banned from U.S. government-owned devices because it threatens national security.

On Feb. 6, U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer and Darin LaHood introduced the “No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act,” which bans the use of DeepSeek on government devices.

DeepSeek is a Chinese-owned artificial intelligence company similar to ChatGPT.

However, it specializes in developing open-source large language models for functions such as chatbots.

Regarding TikTok, the decision to download and use the app ultimately lies with the user.

It is primarily used by individuals who do not possess sensitive data that could grant power to those who access it.

However, government devices contain data that goes beyond just the user. The information on these devices can include data from other citizens or insights that may impact Americans, whether they have downloaded the DeepSeek app or not.

China Mobile is a telecommunications company that the U.S. has already banned from operating in the country. DeepSeek has intentionally hidden code that can send user login info to China Mobile, making the app a massive privacy risk.

Rep. Gottheimer explains that the Chinese Communist Party is a threat through DeepSeek because of its surveillance and intentional misinformation. By not taking immediate action and allowing the CCP to infiltrate government official devices, the United States risks irreversibly jeopardizing national security.

The United States should follow the lead of other nations in protecting their citizens from the CCP. Italy and Australia have already banned DeepSeek from its government systems, along with specific South Korean government ministries.

U.S. federal agencies, including the U.S. Navy and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, have already recognized DeepSeek’s threats to privacy and blocked the app. Texas also wasted no time debating public protection and banned DeepSeek on government devices.

DeepSeek is a threat to every single American. The U.S. government leading by example is the most effective way to alert citizens of the dangers of DeepSeek. Americans are more likely to refrain from using the app if they see that it is banned from government-owned electronics.

Following the “No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act” is the best step toward protecting national security.