• U.S. lawmakers are introducing a bipartisan bill to ban the use of Chinese AI program DeepSeek on government devices.
• The legislation follows reports of potential data security risks and ties to the Chinese government.
• Countries like South Korea, Australia, and Italy have already taken measures to restrict DeepSeek's access due to privacy concerns.

In a significant move reflecting rising global tensions around data privacy and national security, U.S. lawmakers, led by Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Darin LaHood (R-Ill.), have proposed a bill to prohibit the use of DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence startup, on federal devices. This legislative effort comes in the wake of alarming claims regarding DeepSeek's data handling practices and its potential links to Chinese government interests. According to an investigative report by cybersecurity firm Feroot Security, hidden code within the DeepSeek software may allow user data to be transmitted to China Mobile, a state-owned telecommunications entity.

The No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act was introduced amidst increasing concerns that DeepSeek could exploit government officials' devices to harvest sensitive information. "The Chinese Communist Party has made it abundantly clear that it will exploit any tool at its disposal to undermine our national security," stated Gottheimer. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have expressed analogous worries, suggesting that without intervention, such technologies could facilitate data breaches and surveillance.

DeepSeek's ascent in the AI sector has already caused ripples across the tech landscape, challenging established U.S. firms by offering advanced AI capabilities at a fraction of the cost. The AI model R1, launched recently, quickly garnered a significant user base, which has spurred rapid adoption despite the looming concerns over data privacy.

Other nations, including Australia and South Korea, have also taken precautions, blocking DeepSeek from government devices citing similar security issues. Reports indicate that South Korean authorities temporarily barred the app following its failure to respond to inquiries regarding user data management.

As the U.S. seeks to bolster its defenses against perceived foreign threats, this proposed legislation marks a critical point in the ongoing global contest for AI supremacy. The U.S. has intensified scrutiny on other Chinese tech firms, reminiscent of regulations imposed on the social media platform TikTok, emphasizing an overall strategic shift to safeguard national interests in an era of rapid technological transformations.

For more detailed insights, refer to the original reports from BBC, SCMP, and AP News.