U.S. Congress Proposes AI Decoupling Act: DeepSeek Use Now a Crime

The U.S. Congress has proposed a new bill, the "2025 U.S.-China Artificial Intelligence Decoupling Act," which includes a provision that classifies downloading or using the AI application DeepSeek as a crime. The act, introduced by Republican Senator Josh Hawley, carries severe penalties: up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine for individuals, and up to $100 million in fines for companies. Non-U.S. citizens involved in technology transfer may also face deportation.

The act prohibits Americans from assisting China in advancing AI and from downloading or using DeepSeek. It specifies that if American individuals or companies collaborate on AI with Chinese universities or laboratories, they may be in violation of the law. The U.S. had previously banned the use of the DeepSeek application by government officials, including the Department of Defense, Congress, and other key executive branch agencies.

Senator Hawley, who previously served as Missouri's Attorney General, has been involved in investigations into major tech companies' alleged election interference, including investigations into Google and Facebook. The act is part of a broader effort by the U.S. to decouple from China in the field of artificial intelligence.

The proposed legislation has sparked concern and debate in the AI market. Some experts predict that the 'DeepSeek Panic' could lead to a surge in the DeFAI market cap, potentially reaching $10 billion by the end of 2025. However, others caution that the market information discrepancy may pose challenges for investors.

As the U.S. and China continue to engage in a technological cold war, the proposed act highlights the growing tension between the two superpowers in the realm of artificial intelligence. The outcome of this legislation could have significant implications for the global AI landscape and the future of U.S.-China relations.