Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has banned the Chinese AI company DeepSeek from the state’s Department of Financial Services, citing national security concerns and data privacy risks.
At a Glance
- Florida bans Chinese AI firm DeepSeek from Department of Financial Services
- Ban effective February 19, prohibits use on department devices and network
- Violators may face disciplinary action, including dismissal or suspension
- Move aims to protect sensitive state data from potential Chinese exploitation
- Other states like Texas and New York have implemented similar bans
Florida Takes Proactive Stance Against Chinese AI
In a bold move to safeguard state information, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has issued a directive banning the use of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, within the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS). The ban, which took effect on February 19, prohibits DFS employees from downloading, installing, or using DeepSeek on any department-issued devices or personal devices connected to the department’s network.
Patronis emphasized the importance of this preemptive measure, likening the current AI landscape to a new “Space Race.” The CFO’s decision reflects growing concerns about the potential exploitation of sensitive data by foreign adversaries, particularly the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
National Security Concerns Drive Decision
The ban on DeepSeek stems from several key factors that raise red flags for national security. DeepSeek, owned by Ningbo-based High-Flyer, boasts approximately six million active users globally and collects extensive user data. This data collection, combined with China’s 2017 National Intelligence Law, has sparked fears that the information could be accessed by Chinese intelligence agencies.
“I will not allow sensitive Department information to be compromised through a Chinese AI app that can harm Floridians,” Patronis said. “President Trump said DeepSeek was a wake-up call, and he’s absolutely right. AI can be a huge resource for good, but it can also be a weapon if it’s in the wrong hands.”
Adding to the concerns, DeepSeek’s infrastructure is linked to China Mobile, a state-controlled entity previously barred by the FCC from operating in the United States. This connection further underscores the potential risks associated with the AI platform.
Strict Enforcement and Broader Implications
The directive issued by Patronis carries significant weight, with violators potentially facing disciplinary action under Florida administrative rules. Penalties for non-compliance could include dismissal or suspension, highlighting the zero-tolerance approach to this security measure.
Florida’s ban on DeepSeek aligns with similar actions taken by other states, including Texas and New York, which have also prohibited the use of the AI platform due to security risks. These collective efforts reflect a growing awareness of the potential threats posed by foreign-controlled AI technologies and the need to protect sensitive state information.
While the ban on DeepSeek is a defensive measure, it also highlights the complex relationship between technological advancement and national security. Patronis acknowledged the dual nature of AI as both a valuable resource and a potential weapon, emphasizing the need for American companies to out-compete China in this critical field.
