US Orders DeepSeek Removed From Federal Civilian Systems and Bans New Purchases

A Department of Homeland Security order requires US federal civilian agencies to remove DeepSeek products from their IT systems, along with any third-party products or services "developed using DeepSeek implementations". Agencies may also no longer buy technology products or services from the Chinese AI developer or its affiliates. The order is dated July 24, 2026, was issued by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin under the Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act of 2018, and was published in the Federal Register on October 20. The notice does not define "DeepSeek implementations".

The order names Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence Co., Ltd., developer of the R1 and V3 models, and covers its affiliates. The company's privacy policy says it collects, processes and stores users' personal data in the People's Republic of China. The order applies only to what civilian agencies buy and run, and it does not restrict companies or the public. The 2018 law was first used in 2025, when the Director of National Intelligence excluded Swiss security company Acronis from intelligence community procurement.

The order also reaches government contractors. A federal contract carrying FAR clause 52.204-30 bars the contractor from providing or using any product or service covered by an applicable order in performing the contract, unless the issuing official grants a waiver. Agencies can request an exception in writing with a compelling justification.