On February 4, 2025, Australia banned DeepSeek AI from all government devices, citing security concerns. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasized the “unacceptable risk” posed by DeepSeek. He stated, “The government will not hesitate to act when our agencies identify a national security risk.”
This ban follows advice from intelligence agencies. It is not a response to the application’s country of origin. The government encourages all Australians to review the privacy policies of applications like DeepSeek. They should understand how their data is utilized.
This move aligns with actions by other nations. Italy has blocked the platform due to data protection concerns. Similarly, countries like Taiwan and the United States have imposed restrictions on DeepSeek, citing privacy and security issues.
Australia previously banned TikTok from government devices over similar concerns. Major Australian telecommunications companies, including TPG and Optus, along with the Commonwealth Bank, have also banned DeepSeek within their operations. They cited national security risks highlighted by intelligence agencies.
This decision underscores Australia’s commitment to safeguarding its digital infrastructure and data privacy. As AI applications become more integrated into various sectors, governments worldwide are balancing technological innovation and national security. Australia’s proactive stance reflects a broader global trend of caution in adopting foreign-developed AI technologies.
