U.S. orders removal of DeepSeek software from federal civilian networks

The U.S. ordered Hangzhou DeepSeek software to be removed from the networks of federal civilian agencies and from approved product lists. Washington cited espionage and cybersecurity risks, while China objected to the broadening of the concept of national security.

Scraper SystemOctober 22, 2026, 08:41 PM

U.S. orders removal of DeepSeek software from federal civilian networks

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security ordered civilian agencies under the federal executive branch to immediately remove Hangzhou DeepSeek software, tools linked to the software and third-party applications developed using the company's infrastructure. The agencies were also instructed to remove DeepSeek from their approved product lists.

The decision was justified by espionage and cybersecurity risks amid intensifying technology competition between Beijing and Washington. The department said independent assessments had identified critical security vulnerabilities in DeepSeek's mobile software and risks related to extracting users' fingerprints.

James Percival, chief legal adviser at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said in the published directive that DeepSeek's models posed multiple threat vectors. Percival said the company's servers were located in China and that Chinese law granted the government broad access to private companies' infrastructure through cybersecurity and intelligence agencies.

According to the directive, the platform's interactive structure could expose sensitive operational queries to foreign interference. It said information that could be transferred to China carried the risk of generating intelligence that could be used about U.S. citizens or government programs.

Temporary security measures for agencies

Agencies seeking exemptions for mission-critical functions may submit written applications through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency within 60 days. While the removal process continues, agencies must increase the collection of network logs, strictly monitor data transfers outside their networks and continuously watch for unusual network traffic.

DeepSeek'in web arayüzünde bir hata ekranı (arşiv)

China criticizes the decision

Mao Ning, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, criticized the U.S. decision at a press conference in Beijing. Mao Ning said China had consistently opposed the excessive broadening of the concept of national security and the politicization of science, technology, and economic and trade issues.

Mao Ning said China would firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.

Source: Anadolu Ajansı

Have a story, event or announcement of your own?Send us your news on WhatsApp

Spotted an error in this story?Report it on WhatsApp

Share on all social platforms