DeepSeek Unmasked: U.S. Lawmakers Warn of Chinese AI Threat to National Security
In a bipartisan exposé released today, Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) of the House Select Committee on China have unveiled a searing report accusing the Chinese AI platform DeepSeek of posing a grave national security risk to the United States.
“DeepSeek Unmasked: Exposing the CCP’s Latest Tool For Spying, Stealing, and Subverting U.S. Export Control Restrictions”
The 50-page report details how DeepSeek, founded in 2023, is not merely another artificial intelligence tool—but a highly sophisticated cyber weapon. Operated by CCP-affiliated leadership and closely tied to Xi Jinping Thought, DeepSeek allegedly funnels American user data, manipulates political narratives, and relies on illegally acquired U.S. AI technology.
“DeepSeek isn’t just another AI app — it’s a weapon,” said Chairman Moolenaar. “It was trained using stolen American innovations and powered by advanced Nvidia chips that were never meant to land in the hands of our adversaries.”
AI, Espionage & Economic Fallout
Beyond surveillance, DeepSeek's rise has triggered a geopolitical and financial shockwave. Its release of a free, high-powered AI model reportedly wiped over $1 trillion from global tech stocks, shaking confidence in the capital-heavy AI development model of U.S. firms like OpenAI and Anthropic.
“This AI was trained for just $5.6 million—far below what we thought was even feasible,” said Dr. Richard Whittle, economist at the University of Salford. “It changes the game.”
DeepSeek’s censorship practices have also raised ethical concerns. Users report that the app refuses or filters responses about Tiananmen Square, the Uyghur genocide, and Xi Jinping—echoing CCP propaganda tactics.
Global & Domestic Backlash
The U.S. government is now weighing a nationwide ban, following in the footsteps of Italy, the U.S. Navy, and NASA, which have already barred DeepSeek from internal use. Meanwhile, Senator Josh Hawley has introduced legislation targeting collaboration with Chinese AI firms, with proposed penalties of up to 20 years in prison and $100 million in fines for violations.
Even Google has reportedly shifted course, revising its policies to enable AI contributions to defense and security sectors, citing escalating global competition.
No Response From DeepSeek or Chinese Authorities
Both DeepSeek and the Chinese embassy declined to comment, leaving mounting international concerns unanswered. As scrutiny intensifies, U.S. lawmakers reaffirm their commitment to protecting American innovation from foreign exploitation.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Meets with DeepSeek Founder in Beijing
Nvidia Corp. CEO Jensen Huang is meeting today in Beijing with Liang Wenfeng, founder of Chinese artificial intelligence company DeepSeek. Huang's visit to China includes meetings with government officials, and, according to sources familiar with the discussions, he and Liang are discussing the development of next-generation chips for the Chinese market that aim to “meet customer needs and comply with regulatory requirements from both the U.S. and China.”
