DeepSeek Prohibited on Government-Owned Gadgets in Australia
Australian Government Bans Use of DeepSeek Products on Government Devices
In a move to safeguard the Commonwealth from potential security risks, the Australian Department of Home Affairs has issued a directive banning the use or installation of DeepSeek products on all government devices.
The directive, PSPF Direction 001-2025, was signed by Home Affairs Secretary Stephanie Foster on February 4, 2025. This decision comes as a response to the threat and risk analysis conducted regarding DeepSeek products.
The risk arises from DeepSeek's extensive collection of data and exposure of that data to extrajudicial directions from a foreign government that conflict with Australian law.
The directive applies to all non-corporate Commonwealth entities under the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF), which applies to entities subject to the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
Secretary Foster has determined that the use of DeepSeek products poses an unacceptable level of security risk to the Australian Government. As a result, the directive mandates the removal of all existing instances of DeepSeek products, applications, and web services on government devices.
Entities that seek an exemption for the use of DeepSeek products for legitimate business reasons, limited to national security and regulatory functions, must ensure that appropriate mitigations are in place. The name of the person who can apply for the exemption is the Data Protection Officer (Datenschutzbeauftragte).
The directive is part of the protective security measures to safeguard the Commonwealth from potential security risks. It continues to be in effect, requiring entities to manage the risks arising from DeepSeek's operation, even in cases where an exemption is granted.
The directive does not apply to corporate Commonwealth entities. The entities that are subject to the directive are required to comply with it, as it is a response to the threat and risk analysis conducted regarding DeepSeek products, and a necessary step in maintaining the security of the Australian Government's operations.
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