The U.S. government has barred federal civilian agencies from purchasing covered DeepSeek technology and ordered its removal from agency systems, citing the risk of sensitive information reaching China.
The order, signed by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, lists July 24, 2026, as its original release date. A notice filed for public inspection on Oct. 19 lists Oct. 20 as its scheduled Federal Register publication date. The restrictions took effect upon issuance.
The signed order identifies DeepSeek as Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence Basic Technology Research Co., Ltd. Its removal requirement also covers affiliate offerings and third-party products and services developed using DeepSeek implementations. A footnote extends the purchasing restriction to third-party DeepSeek implementations used to provide products or services to civilian agencies.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said prompts entered by government employees or vendors could expose sensitive data to China. It said that data, combined with public information, could yield intelligence about U.S. persons or government programs. The order describes potential risks; it does not report that a transfer occurred.
DHS issued the order under the Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act of 2018 after reviewing a recommendation from the Federal Acquisition Security Council. It applies to civilian executive branch agencies, excluding national security systems and secure compartmented information systems.
Agencies had 60 days after issuance to request an exception in writing, with a compelling justification and any proposed alternative mitigations. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is responsible for written decisions on those requests. Federal law requires the order to be reviewed at least annually.
