DHS Orders DeepSeek Removal from Civilian Agency Systems
Federal purchasing restrictions also cover affiliated suppliers and outside vendors using DeepSeek technology.
- By Jesse Jacobs
- Oct 22, 2026
Federal civilian executive branch agencies must remove DeepSeek technology from their information systems and exclude covered products from purchasing channels under a Department of Homeland Security order.
The directive covers DeepSeek, its affiliates and products or services that outside vendors developed using DeepSeek implementations. It excludes national security systems and systems handling sensitive, compartmented information.
DHS cited concerns about sensitive government information reaching servers in China, collection of user information and software vulnerabilities.
The order requires procurement exclusions and removal immediately upon issuance, while allowing agencies to seek exceptions. Those requests must explain the operational need and proposed safeguards.
While removal remains incomplete, agencies are encouraged to monitor network traffic, strengthen activity logs and restrict unauthorized data transfers.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency may provide technical help to agencies lacking sufficient internal resources. The homeland security secretary must review the order within a year and annually thereafter.