Australia has banned the use of DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, on all government devices and systems, citing concerns over national security risks.
The decision comes just weeks after DeepSeek made global headlines by unveiling a chatbot that matched the performance of leading U.S. AI models while claiming significantly lower training costs. Its launch caused a major market shake-up, with billions of dollars wiped off stock markets worldwide, including in Australia, where AI-related stocks such as chipmaker BrainChip saw sharp declines.
Government Justifies Ban on Security Grounds
Despite speculation over the app’s Chinese origins, the Australian government insists the ban is based solely on security concerns.
“The use or installation of DeepSeek products, applications, and web services will be prohibited on any government system or device,” the government stated, requiring that any previously installed versions be removed immediately.
This move means that a wide range of government workers—including those in agencies such as the Australian Electoral Commission and Bureau of Meteorology—will no longer have access to DeepSeek’s tools. However, it remains unclear whether the ban extends to public sector institutions like schools.
Rising Global Scrutiny of DeepSeek
The move aligns with a growing pattern of Western skepticism toward Chinese technology, reminiscent of past security restrictions on Huawei and TikTok. While DeepSeek initially gained traction in markets like the UK and U.S., its rapid success has also sparked regulatory concerns worldwide.
Italy removed the chatbot from app stores after privacy concerns were raised over its data policies, while regulators in South Korea, Ireland, and France have launched investigations into its data handling practices. The White House has also confirmed that the U.S. is reviewing potential security risks posed by DeepSeek.
Although China-based servers store user data, DeepSeek insists that its data policies align with industry standards. However, security experts warn that AI chatbots retain and analyze user prompts, posing risks for those handling sensitive or confidential information.
Concerns Over U.S. Tech Theft
Beyond security fears, DeepSeek has also faced allegations of unfairly leveraging American technology to accelerate its AI advancements.
OpenAI, the developer behind ChatGPT, has raised concerns that Chinese competitors may be using its work to fuel their own AI breakthroughs. The company has been vocal about protecting its intellectual property, though no formal legal action has been taken against DeepSeek.
The Future of AI in a Politicized Landscape
Kieren McCarthy, a cybersecurity analyst at Oxford Information Labs, sees the ban as part of a larger trend.
“This is increasingly the approach adopted by governments whenever there is any question over security,” he said. “It adds a political dimension to all new tech and heralds an end to the days when technology was king.”
As AI development accelerates, countries appear to be taking a more cautious approach to emerging technologies, particularly those linked to geopolitical rivals. With Australia’s decision, DeepSeek now joins the growing list of Chinese tech firms facing barriers in Western markets.
