The restrictions cover agency purchases and third-party technology developed using DeepSeek.
The Department of Homeland Security has made public an order excluding DeepSeek products from federal civilian agency purchases and requiring their removal from agency information-technology systems.
The notice was filed for public inspection October 19 and scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on October 20.
Its scope extends beyond DeepSeek’s own applications. The notice also covers affiliated companies and third-party products and services developed using DeepSeek implementations.
DHS issued the action under the Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act, following a review of a recommendation and supporting evidence from the Federal Acquisition Security Council.
According to Reuters, the department cited concerns that government employees or vendors could transmit sensitive information to China through the technology. Those concerns are the department’s stated basis for the restrictions.
The order concerns federal civilian agencies’ purchasing and technology systems. It is not a general prohibition on Americans using DeepSeek.
The inclusion of third-party services means the restrictions address technology built on DeepSeek as well as products carrying the company’s name.
The Federal Register notice directs readers to the signed order and supporting docket for the operative requirements. It does not establish that every affected agency has already completed removal.
Featured-image caption: DeepSeek displayed on a smartphone in an illustrative photograph published in January 2025. Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash.
