A cross-party group of US lawmakers has introduced the “No Adversarial AI Act,” a bill designed to prohibit federal agencies from using artificial intelligence models developed by companies based in China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea. The bill mandates that the Federal Acquisition Security Council maintain a regularly updated list of banned AI technologies, with China’s DeepSeek cited as a prime example of the threat. The legislation, sponsored by both Democrats and Republicans, responds to growing concerns about the national security risks posed by foreign AI systems, particularly those with ties to those considered to be adversarial governments.[1]
At the heart of the legislation is DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup that has drawn scrutiny for its alleged connections to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its intelligence apparatus. A prior investigation by members of the House of Representatives revealed that DeepSeek’s privacy policy explicitly states that U.S. user data is stored in China, raising fears that the CCP could access sensitive information.
See: https://redskyalliance.org/xindustry/banning-deepseek-from-govt-devices
Reports also suggest that DeepSeek has been aiding China’s military and intelligence operations, including using Southeast Asian shell companies to procure high-end semiconductors restricted by US export controls. These findings have intensified calls for a federal procurement ban on AI models originating from China, a recommendation now embodied in the proposed legislation.
The “No Adversarial AI Act” reflects deep concerns about data privacy and the potential for foreign AI systems to undermine US security. Lawmakers argue that AI models like DeepSeek, which reportedly incorporate code capable of transmitting user data to a sanctioned Chinese state-owned telecom, pose a direct threat to federal systems and sensitive government data. “The U.S. government should not be sending our data to China,” Democrat Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi said during a hearing of the Select Committee on the CCP, emphasizing the need for a “clear firewall” between US agencies and adversarial AI technologies.
The bill arrives amid escalating tensions between the US and China over technological dominance. Critics of DeepSeek argue that its open-source AI models, which can be installed locally, are being unfairly targeted to protect US Big Tech monopolies. Proponents of the legislation counter that the risks outweigh any competitive concerns, particularly given DeepSeek’s alleged role in supporting Beijing’s military ambitions. The act also includes provisions for removing AI models from the banned list if they are proven free of adversarial influence, offering a potential path for compliance but placing the burden of proof on the companies.
The “No Adversarial AI Act” represents a significant step in Washington’s efforts to safeguard national security in the AI era. While the bill enjoys bipartisan support, its passage is not guaranteed, as debates over technological competition and the feasibility of enforcement continue. The legislation sends a clear message: the US is determined to limit the influence of adversarial AI in its government systems, with DeepSeek squarely in the crosshairs. As Krishnamoorthi stated, “Artificial intelligence controlled by foreign adversaries poses a direct threat to our national security, our data, and our government operations.”
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[1] https://www.cybersecurityintelligence.com/blog/us-seeks-to-ban-adversarial-ai-8506.html
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