Researchers linked the AI chatbot to a Chinese state-owned telecommunications company, which has been banned from operating in the U.S.

OTTAWA — The federal government is barring the use of Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek’s chatbot on government devices over “serious privacy concerns” the company can inappropriately collect and retain sensitive data.

The website of the Chinese artificial intelligence company DeepSeek, whose chatbot became the most downloaded app in the United States,

The federal government has restricted Chinese artificial intelligence company DeepSeek’s chatbot from some of its mobile devices and is recommending other agencies and departments follow suit.

The decision follows advice from national security and intelligence agencies that determined the platform posed "an unacceptable risk" to government technology.

Governments across Asia are cracking down on DeepSeek, amid growing concerns that the Chinese AI chatbot could compromise national security. South Korea is the latest to block DeepSeek's access to various governmental departments.

The Chinese startup's technology is coming under scrutiny, with a few countries banning the use of the technology in government offices.

A bipartisan Congressional bill is being introduced to ban China's DeepSeek artificial intelligence software from government devices.