The Australian government has announced an immediate ban on Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) platform DeepSeek across all federal government devices, citing “unacceptable risks” to national security and data privacy. The decision, spearheaded by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, follows intelligence agency warnings that the app could expose sensitive government technology and information to foreign interference .
Key Details of the Ban
- Scope and Implementation
The directive, effective immediately, mandates the removal of DeepSeek from devices and systems of all non-corporate Commonwealth entities, including federal departments and agencies. Corporate entities like Australia Post, the ABC, and SBS are exempt . Government workers are still permitted to use the app on personal devices, though officials urge caution . - Security Concerns
- Data Harvesting Risks: DeepSeek’s privacy policy states that user data—including keystroke patterns, chat histories, and technical device information—is stored in China, where local laws compel companies to share data with authorities upon request .
- System Vulnerabilities: Experts warn that DeepSeek could request administrator access to devices, potentially exposing entire systems to surveillance or malware .
- Political Bias: Cybersecurity firm CyberCX alleges the app produces outputs aligned with Chinese Communist Party narratives, raising fears of foreign influence .
- Government Stance
Minister Burke emphasized the decision is “country-agnostic” and based purely on risk assessments. “AI is full of potential, but we will not hesitate to act when national security is threatened,” he stated . The move mirrors Australia’s 2023 TikTok ban and aligns with global actions by Italy, Taiwan, and parts of the U.S. military and government .
Global Context and Market Impact
DeepSeek, developed by Hangzhou-based startup founder Liang Wenfeng, has rapidly gained traction since its January 2025 launch. Its claims of outperforming U.S. rivals like ChatGPT at lower costs disrupted tech markets, contributing to a 17% drop in Nvidia’s stock price amid fears of reduced demand for advanced chips .
The U.S. Commerce Department is investigating whether DeepSeek violated export restrictions by using banned Nvidia chips, while the Pentagon and NASA have already blocked access to its services .
Public and Expert Reactions
- Consumer Warnings: The Australian government advises citizens to scrutinize DeepSeek’s data practices and avoid uploading sensitive information .
- Academic Insights: RMIT’s Dana Mckay highlighted that DeepSeek’s data collection could uniquely identify users through typing patterns, posing risks beyond typical AI models .
- Industry Response: Critics argue the ban reflects broader geopolitical tensions, though officials insist it prioritizes security over origin .
Looking Ahead
The ban underscores growing global scrutiny of AI technologies amid the U.S.-China tech rivalry. While DeepSeek’s efficiency and affordability have revolutionized AI development, its ties to China’s regulatory framework remain a red flag for democracies. As Science Minister Ed Husic noted, “Unanswered questions about data management demand vigilance” .
Australia’s move signals a hardening stance on digital sovereignty, with implications for future AI regulation and international tech collaboration.
For further details, refer to sources: AFR, ABC News, TechCrunch.
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