Australia Bans DeepSeek AI on Government Devices Over Security Concerns
Australia has banned DeepSeek AI from government devices, citing national security risks. The move follows similar bans in Italy and Taiwan, raising global concerns.
By Tylt Editorial Team
Australia has banned DeepSeek from all government devices due to security risks.
The move follows similar bans in Italy and Taiwan.
DeepSeek's low-cost AI model raises concerns over Western tech investments.
Australia has announced an immediate ban on DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, from all government devices due to national security concerns. The decision, enforced through a mandatory directive by the Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, requires government agencies to remove all instances of DeepSeek products and services from their systems.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke labeled the AI platform as an “unacceptable risk” to Australia’s national security. He emphasized that the ban is necessary to safeguard sensitive government data and prevent potential vulnerabilities posed by DeepSeek’s technology.
The restriction applies exclusively to government entities, leaving private citizens unaffected. This measure aligns with similar actions taken by Italy and Taiwan, both of which have recently imposed bans on DeepSeek within their government sectors.
DeepSeek’s AI technology has drawn global attention due to its cost-effective model, which requires significantly less advanced semiconductor chips compared to its competitors. This aspect has raised concerns among Western nations heavily invested in semiconductor technology and AI infrastructure. The rapid adoption of DeepSeek’s platform could potentially disrupt these investments, leading to heightened scrutiny from global regulators.
The ban on DeepSeek is part of Australia’s broader stance against Chinese tech firms. In 2023, the government prohibited the use of TikTok on official devices, citing similar security risks. As more countries assess the implications of DeepSeek’s AI model, the company faces mounting challenges in expanding its global footprint.
