Texas has launched an investigation into the Chinese AI company DeepSeek for allegedly violating the state’s data privacy laws. The inquiry was announced by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who raised concerns about the app’s potential links to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Paxton’s office has requested documentation from Google and Apple regarding their involvement in allowing DeepSeek to be available for download on their app stores. The investigation aims to understand the app’s compliance with privacy standards and its potential to undermine American AI dominance.
DeepSeek, an inexpensive and open-source app, has sparked security concerns, with Paxton accusing it of being a tool for the CCP to steal American citizens’ data. He expressed his belief that the app may be involved in censorship efforts aligned with Chinese government interests.
In response, Paxton called for Google and Apple to provide all relevant documents regarding their approval processes for DeepSeek, as part of the ongoing investigation.
The controversy surrounding DeepSeek has escalated beyond Texas. Earlier this year, Paxton issued a ban on the app for devices owned by his office staff, citing its ties to the CCP and security risks. This decision came amid growing worries over the app’s potential role in censoring content critical of the Chinese government, which has drawn increasing scrutiny in the U.S. The ban was followed by similar actions in New York and Virginia, both of which blocked the use of DeepSeek on government devices.
In addition to state actions, federal lawmakers have also taken steps to address the issue. On Monday, Representatives Josh Gottheimer and Darin LaHood introduced a bill to prevent federal workers from using DeepSeek on government-issued devices. This legislative move aims to extend security measures at the federal level, reflecting concerns that the app could be used to compromise both individual privacy and national security.
