GOP Representative Darin LaHood Calls for Ban on AI App DeepSeek

(DailyVantage.com) – GOP Representative Darin LaHood is pressing for a nationwide ban on the Chinese AI app DeepSeek, echoing national security concerns similar to those posed by TikTok.

At a Glance

Rep. Darin LaHood advocates for banning DeepSeek on all U.S. devices.
DeepSeek, linked to the CCP, raises national security concerns.
Comparison to the U.S. ban on TikTok is drawn.
DeepSeek suppresses criticism of the CCP and support for Taiwan.

LaHood’s Call for Action

Rep. Darin LaHood, representing Illinois, has voiced calls to ban the app DeepSeek from all U.S. devices, citing concerns over national security and its ties with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). LaHood expressed these concerns on “CNN News Central,” pointing to legislative actions previously taken against TikTok as a precedent.

He emphasized the risks associated with CCP’s influence and the potential strategic motivations behind deploying such technology onto American devices. LaHood stressed the urgency in addressing these concerns through immediate legislative measures.

Concerns Over Chinese Influence

DeepSeek’s development under the influence of the CCP has raised red flags for LaHood, similar to concerns around TikTok. The AI app has previously been noted to block criticism against Xi Jinping and the Chinese government, as well as limiting pro-Taiwan messaging, suggesting a controlled narrative that aligns with the CCP’s objectives.

LaHood’s statements highlight a larger strategy by China to potentially undermine U.S. interests by advancing its own technological and military capabilities, posing a significant threat to national security.

A Legislative Path Forward

The parallels between DeepSeek and TikTok provide a decisive argument for extending a ban beyond government devices to encompass all U.S. devices. LaHood’s advocacy underscores the critical need for policies that protect user data and national interests from foreign powers, particularly those aiming to strategically compromise security and technological sovereignty.

The legislative measures proposed by LaHood reflect heightened vigilance in safeguarding national security, emphasizing the importance of scrutinizing foreign-linked technologies that enter the domestic market.