No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1121
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-07: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-08T08:06:43Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation aims to protect national security and government information systems by prohibiting the use of the DeepSeek application (an AI tool) on executive agency devices and networks. It seeks to prevent potential risks associated with this foreign-developed software.
Key Provisions
- Definitions:
- "Covered application" refers to the DeepSeek app or any similar app/service developed or provided by High Flyer (a company) or its affiliates.
- "Executive agency" includes federal departments and agencies like those under the President (e.g., defined in federal procurement law).
- "Information technology" covers computers, software, and networks used by the government (as defined in federal IT law).
- Prohibition and Implementation:
- Within 60 days of enactment, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) must create standards and guidelines, in consultation with key officials from the General Services Administration (GSA), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), and Department of Defense (DoD).
- These guidelines require executive agencies to remove covered applications from all government information technology.
- The process must align with existing federal information security laws (which mandate protecting government data from unauthorized access or breaches).
- Exceptions:
- Allows limited use for law enforcement operations, national security purposes, or by security researchers (experts who test systems for vulnerabilities).
- Agencies using exceptions must create and document plans to reduce risks, such as isolating the app or monitoring its activity.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This bill introduces a specific ban on DeepSeek, building on broader federal IT security laws (like the Federal Information Security Modernization Act) by targeting a particular application for the first time.
- It adds mandatory timelines and consultation requirements for removing risky software, which were not previously specified for individual apps, though similar restrictions exist for other tools (e.g., past bans on certain foreign apps like TikTok on government devices).
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Executive agencies will need to scan and update their IT systems, potentially incurring short-term costs for compliance and training. This could enhance cybersecurity but limit access to DeepSeek's AI features for routine tasks.
- On Citizens: Minimal direct impact, as the ban applies only to government devices; however, it may indirectly affect public services if agencies rely on AI tools, or improve trust in government data protection.
- On International Relations: Could strain ties with the country or entities behind High Flyer (likely China, given the app's origins), signaling U.S. concerns over foreign tech risks, similar to restrictions on other Chinese apps.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Executive Agencies: All federal departments (e.g., DoD, intelligence agencies) must comply with removal and exception rules.
- Oversight Bodies: OMB, GSA, CISA, ODNI, and DoD lead implementation and consultations.
- Private Sector: High Flyer and DeepSeek developers face restricted access to U.S. government markets.
- Security and Law Enforcement Personnel: Benefit from exceptions but must follow risk mitigation protocols.
- Researchers: AI and cybersecurity experts may use the app under controlled conditions for testing.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces executive authority over government IT security without overriding existing privacy or procurement laws; exceptions ensure flexibility to avoid disrupting critical operations.
- Constitutional: Aligns with government property rules (agencies can restrict tools on official devices), raising no major First Amendment issues since it targets security, not speech.
- Political: Bipartisan support (from both parties) highlights consensus on national security threats from foreign AI, potentially setting precedent for future tech bans amid U.S.-China tech tensions.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
Cosponsors (32)
Rep. LaHood, Darin [R-IL-16], Rep. Moolenaar, John R. [R-MI-2], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Rep. Vindman, Eugene [D-VA-7], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25], Rep. Moore, Blake D. [R-UT-1], Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15], Rep. Barr, Andy [R-KY-6], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Dunn, Neal P. [R-FL-2], Rep. Friedman, Laura [D-CA-30], Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1], Rep. Gimenez, Carlos A. [R-FL-28], Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11], Rep. Hinson, Ashley [R-IA-2], Rep. Moran, Nathaniel [R-TX-1], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-07: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-02-07: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-07: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act — issued 2025-02-07 — PDF (3 pages)