The United States Navy has officially banned the use of China’s DeepSeek AI across all operations. In a memo reportedly sent on Jan. 24, the Navy informed personnel that the generative AI model must not be used “in any capacity,

The US Navy has banned China’s DeepSeek AI technology citing security and ethical issues. An internal email emphasized that members should avoid using the model, which has quickly risen in popularity.

The ban, issued via email to sailors on Friday, directed them to avoid using the DeepSeek AI Assistant “in any capacity” due to “potential security and ethical concerns” since the AI model originates from China, CNBC reported. Japan-based sailors queried by Stars and Stripes said they had not received the memo as of Wednesday afternoon.

At least one body of the US government has officially banned the use of Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek among its staff. This week, the US Navy handed down the ban, barring its members and servicemen and women from using the app for personal and work-related tasks, citing “security and ethical concerns” as the reasoning behind the ban.