US Lawmakers Push to Ban Chinese AI in Government Over Security Concerns

US Lawmakers Propose Bill to Ban Chinese AI in Federal Agencies

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers is set to introduce legislation aimed at blocking artificial intelligence models developed in China from being used by executive government agencies. The proposed bill, known as the No Adversarial AI Act, targets AI technologies from certain countries perceived as adversaries, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

Concerns Over Chinese AI and National Security

The move follows reports that a Chinese AI company, DeepSeek, has been linked to supporting China's military and intelligence efforts. DeepSeek gained attention earlier this year for launching an AI model that rivals U.S. firms like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, but at significantly lower costs. This raised alarms about data security and the potential misuse of AI technology within U.S. government operations.

Some U.S. companies and government bodies have already restricted the use of DeepSeek due to these concerns. The previous administration even considered banning its use on government devices.

Key Provisions of the No Adversarial AI Act

• The bill would establish a permanent framework preventing U.S. executive agencies from purchasing or using AI models developed in designated foreign adversary countries.
• The Federal Acquisition Security Council would maintain and regularly update a list of banned AI models from these countries.
• Federal agencies could only use these AI technologies with an exemption approved by Congress or the Office of Management and Budget, typically limited to research purposes.
• There is a provision allowing for removal of technologies from the ban list if it can be proven they are free from control or influence by hostile foreign entities.

Strong Bipartisan Support

The bill was introduced in the House by Representative John Moolenaar, who chairs the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, and Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, the committee's ranking member. Both Republicans and Democrats are backing the legislation, signaling shared concerns over foreign AI threats.

Supporters emphasize the importance of keeping potentially hostile AI systems out of sensitive government networks. Representative Moolenaar stated, "The U.S. must draw a hard line: hostile AI systems have no business operating inside our government."

Additional co-sponsors include Representatives Ritchie Torres and Darin LaHood. In the Senate, Senators Rick Scott and Gary Peters will lead the effort.

Implications for Government AI Use

This bill represents a significant step in regulating AI adoption within federal agencies, particularly emphasizing national security. Agencies will need to carefully vet AI tools for origin and control before integrating them into workflows.

For government professionals involved with AI procurement, development, or policy, staying informed about this legislation and its progress is crucial. More details on AI policy and security can be found through trusted government resources and specialized AI training platforms.

For those seeking to enhance their understanding of AI tools and security in the public sector, exploring focused educational resources can be valuable. Consider visiting Complete AI Training’s courses by job role for relevant learning opportunities.