New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the state has banned the use of the China-based AI startup DeepSeek on government-issued devices and networks.
The decision stems from escalating concerns over potential foreign surveillance and censorship risks associated with the app, which has recently gained meteoric popularity.
Governor Hochul issued a statement addressing the ban, emphasizing the importance of protecting New Yorkers from emerging cyber threats.
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“Public safety is my top priority, and we’re working aggressively to protect New Yorkers from foreign and domestic threats,” she said.
“New York will continue fighting to combat cyber threats, ensure the privacy and safety of our data, and safeguard against state-sponsored censorship.”
Concerns Over Data Collection and Censorship
DeepSeek, an AI-driven chatbot, surged to fame after its developers claimed they built an advanced AI model on a modest budget of less than $6 million, without advanced Nvidia chips controlled under U.S. export restrictions.
However, cybersecurity experts have raised red flags about the app’s potential for data collection and surveillance.
Reports suggest it gathers sensitive user data, including IP addresses, keystroke patterns, and other metadata, all of which are stored on servers in China.
This raises concerns that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) could exploit the data for espionage or technological theft. The app has also faced allegations of censorship aligned with CCP directives.
For instance, DeepSeek reportedly avoids responding to queries about politically sensitive topics such as President Xi Jinping, the Tiananmen Square massacre, and Taiwan’s sovereignty.
Critics say the app’s behavior reflects Chinese state propaganda tactics, further heightening fears about its role in government settings.
The ban prohibits New York state employees from downloading or using DeepSeek on government-issued devices. However, the restriction does not extend to personal devices.
The move follows similar actions taken against other China-based apps in the U.S., reflecting broader concerns about data security in the face of rising global tensions.
DeepSeek, which could not be reached for comment, has also come under scrutiny for its hiring practices.
A recent report revealed that the startup employed at least four workers who were previously part of Microsoft’s controversial AI lab in China—a facility frequently criticized by U.S. lawmakers as a potential security threat.
Despite DeepSeek’s technical innovation and popularity, its ties to China and alleged alignment with CCP policies have cast a shadow over its operations.
Experts, including tech leaders Elon Musk and Scale AI’s Alexandr Wang, have speculated that the startup may have access to more advanced technologies than it admits, potentially bypassing U.S. export restrictions.
New York’s decision could set a precedent for other states, igniting broader conversations about balancing technological advancements with data privacy and national security.
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