News Brief
Chinese AI Firm DeepSeek Faces Global Backlash: After Italy, Australia And Taiwan, US State Texas Bans App Over Data Security Concerns
DeepSeek (Representative Image)
Texas has become the first state in the United States (US) to officially ban the Chinese-owned AI app DeepSeek, citing serious national security risks, reported The Hindu.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed an order prohibiting the app’s use on all state-issued devices, raising concerns that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) could gain access to sensitive user data.
Texas Takes the Lead in US Crackdown on DeepSeek
Governor Abbott justified the ban, stating, "Texas will not allow the Chinese Communist Party to infiltrate our state's critical infrastructure through data-harvesting AI and social media apps," The Hindu reported.
He emphasised the need to protect state agencies, employees, and critical infrastructure from espionage threats.
Reports indicate that DeepSeek stores user data on Chinese servers, sparking fears that the Chinese government could demand access under local data-sharing laws.
These security concerns have already led to the US Navy, NASA, and other government agencies banning DeepSeek from military and government devices.
Several countries, including Italy, Taiwan, and Australia, have also taken action against the app.
Italy’s Data Protection Authority enforced a nationwide ban, removing DeepSeek from Apple and Google app stores while launching an investigation into its compliance with European data laws.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs followed with a ban on government devices, advising businesses in critical sectors to do the same.
Australia joined the crackdown on 4 February, when Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke declared the app a serious national security risk and announced a nationwide ban.
