Montana AG Bans DeepSeek, Citing Security Risks
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen (R) on Tuesday banned the use of China-based DeepSeek on Montana Department of Justice (MTDOJ) devices for alleged security risks.
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“My primary responsibility is the safety and security of Montanans. That begins with protecting law enforcement from data breaches and foreign espionage,” Knudsen said in a press release. “Accordingly, use of DeepSeek on any MTDOJ device, including but not limited to cell phones, laptops, tablets, and desktop computers, is prohibited, effective immediately.”
In a letter on Feb. 27 to all Montana Department of Justice employees, Knudsen likened the AI platform to “TikTok on steroids,” and said that DeepSeek stores its data on servers located in the People’s Republic of China. Moreover, it contains built-in code that sends user data directly to the Chinese government.
Knudsen directed the Justice IT Services Division “and all department heads to take all necessary steps to prevent access to DeepSeek on any MTDOJ device,” Knudsen said in the letter. “Any third-party entity wishing to do business with MTDOJ also may not use DeepSeek.”
Texas, New York and South Dakota also banned DeepSeek on government devices (see 2502100024 and 2503040068).