DeepSeek Products Barred From Czech Government Use

Concerns that DeepSeek may be compelled to share user data with Beijing.

The Czech Republic has prohibited the use of any products from Chinese AI firm DeepSeek within its government systems, citing cybersecurity risks.

Joining a growing list of nations tightening restrictions on Chinese technology, Prime Minister Petr Fiala confirmed the ban after the national cybersecurity authority flagged concerns that DeepSeek, due to China's regulatory environment, may be compelled to share user data with Beijing.

"There is a risk of unauthorised access to user data," Fiala said, and according to The Associated Press.

The decision follows Italy's January move to block access to DeepSeek's chatbot and similar cautionary steps taken by Australia.

The Czech Republic previously banned Huawei and ZTE technologies in 2018 over similar fears of foreign interference and espionage. The latest action underscores Europe’s heightened scrutiny of foreign AI and tech providers amid intensifying geopolitical tensions and data sovereignty concerns.

Advanced Persistent threats (APTs), state adversaries, nation states Artificial Intelligence Published: 11 July