Seven U.S. Senators Urge Commerce to Investigate DeepSeek AI Security Risks

Seven U.S. Republican senators, led by Ted Budd of North Carolina, have formally requested the U.S. Department of Commerce to investigate potential risks associated with DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company and its open-source model R1 [1]. The letter, dated August 1, 2025, was signed by senators from Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio, and Utah, who collectively argue that R1 could pose a national security threat to the United States [2]. They expressed concerns that the AI model might be used to facilitate data leakage, be weaponized, or support Chinese military and intelligence operations [3].

The senators highlighted that the open-source nature of R1 allows unrestricted modifications to its code, significantly increasing the risk of exploitation. Potential threats include hacking, data theft, and tampering. The model has previously generated harmful outputs, such as instructions for a damaging social media campaign encouraging self-harm and bioweapon development, suggesting inadequate safety testing [4].

Chris Anderson, CEO of ByteNova AI, warned that the absence of clear code tracking could lead to unintentional leaks of sensitive information [5]. He emphasized that without proper oversight, companies using R1 could inadvertently expose data to third parties, particularly in an environment where the AI model is accessible to a broad audience.

The request comes amid heightened scrutiny of AI technology, following recent arrests for illegally exporting AI chips to China [6]. The senators are urging the Department of Commerce to produce a detailed report assessing DeepSeek’s potential risks and its compliance with U.S. export regulations. Their concerns align with broader anxieties about the U.S.-China tech competition, where secure AI development is seen as a critical national interest.

Anderson also cautioned that a potential ban on DeepSeek could overly concentrate power among a few U.S. AI firms, potentially stifling innovation and limiting global collaboration in AI development [7]. He argued that while security is essential, an over-reaction could reduce diversity in the AI ecosystem and slow the pace of technological advancement.

The call for a DeepSeek review reflects a growing trend of U.S. lawmakers scrutinizing foreign AI models, particularly those with open-source architectures that are harder to control. As AI continues to evolve as a strategic asset, the debate over how to balance security with innovation is likely to intensify. The Commerce Department’s response will be closely watched by both policymakers and the tech industry as it sets a precedent for how foreign AI models are evaluated under U.S. national security frameworks [8].

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