Wed Feb 05 18:06:47 UTC 2025: ## Australia Bans Chinese AI Firm DeepSeek on Government Devices Over Security Fears
**Canberra, Australia** – The Australian government has banned the use of DeepSeek AI products on all government devices, citing significant national security risks. The Department of Home Affairs issued a directive on Tuesday ordering the immediate removal of all DeepSeek applications and web services from official systems. The ban, which does not affect private citizens, follows similar actions taken by Italy and Taiwan.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that DeepSeek’s technology poses an unacceptable risk to government infrastructure, demanding swift action to protect national interests. While DeepSeek, a relatively new Chinese AI firm, has gained global attention for its cost-effective AI models, its rapid rise has raised serious security concerns among several governments.
This ban mirrors Australia’s previous restrictions on Chinese-owned platforms, including the 2023 ban on TikTok on government devices. The growing unease surrounding DeepSeek highlights broader geopolitical anxieties about AI dominance and data security. The efficiency of DeepSeek’s technology, which requires less powerful computing hardware, has reportedly caused a drop in global tech stocks, prompting questions about Western investments in high-end semiconductors.
Further restrictions on DeepSeek are anticipated as other governments continue to review the potential risks associated with the company’s technology.
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