DeepSeek banned from Australian government devices over national security concerns
GuardianFeb 02
Australia Bans Chinese AI DeepSeek From Government Devices
story
Above: On January 28, 2025, in Hong Kong, China, a phone with the DeepSeek app is shown in front of a Chinese flag. Image copyright: Anthony Kwan/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
The Australian Department of Home Affairs issued a directive on Tuesday requiring all government entities to remove DeepSeek products from their systems and prevent future installations, citing unacceptable security risks to government technology.
The ban specifically targets government systems and devices, excluding private citizens' usage, and requires immediate compliance from various government bodies except corporate organizations like Australia Post and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
DeepSeek, established in 2023, gained international attention for matching US competitors' performance at significantly lower costs, causing substantial market disruption and billions in stock market losses.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The ban represents a necessary protective measure against serious national security threats to Australia, as DeepSeek's extensive data collection and storage practices in China pose unacceptable risks to government systems and sensitive information.
Establishment-critical narrative
The restrictions appear politically motivated and could hinder technological progress, as DeepSeek has demonstrated remarkable innovation by matching Western AI capabilities at lower costs despite limited access to advanced chips, potentially benefiting global AI development. This is another unfair move against China as the West is failing to face the realities of a multipolar world.
