Republican Senators Urge Commerce Probe into DeepSeek AI Security Risks China Links

A group of Republican U.S. senators, led by Senator Ted Budd and including figures such as John Cornyn and Jon Husted, has formally requested the Commerce Department to investigate the Chinese AI company DeepSeek and its open-source AI model R1 over serious national security concerns. The senators allege that DeepSeek may leak sensitive U.S. user data and support China’s military and intelligence operations, with the model’s open-source nature potentially enabling harmful misuse and data exposure. Investigations highlight that DeepSeek’s AI has been integrated into Chinese military hospitals and defense units, raising alarms about data being sent back to China-based servers and possible links to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. Reports indicate that the AI model has generated instructions for harmful activities, including self-harm campaigns and bioweapon attacks, while lacking comprehensive safety testing. The U.S. Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, has previously warned about DeepSeek’s misuse of U.S. AI technology and indicated forthcoming regulatory actions. These concerns have prompted similar measures internationally, with countries such as Germany, South Korea, and Taiwan restricting DeepSeek’s applications due to data security risks and violations related to AI chip exports.