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US Senators Urge Commerce Department to Probe Risks from Chinese Open-Source AI

By  |  August 5, 2025

A coalition of seven Republican senators has formally requested that the U.S. Commerce Department assess potential national security threats posed by Chinese open-source artificial intelligence models, including DeepSeek. The inquiry underscores growing concerns in Washington over the flow of sensitive U.S. data to foreign entities via emerging AI technologies.

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    According to Reuters, the senators — among them Jon Husted, Ted Budd, and John Cornyn — are urging the department to evaluate whether AI applications powered by Chinese-developed models may be transmitting personal or corporate data from the United States back to servers in China. They are also seeking clarification on whether such data could be accessed by the Chinese military or affiliated companies.

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    Related: In Wake of Trump’s AI Action Plan, Senators Introduce Bipartisan AI Transparency Bill

    The senators’ letter raises alarms about the possibility that these open-source AI tools could serve as conduits for espionage or unauthorized surveillance. Per Reuters, the lawmakers are particularly focused on the risk that American data, when processed through Chinese AI platforms, might be repurposed for use by entities linked to the People’s Liberation Army.

    In January, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick addressed similar concerns, stating that there were indications DeepSeek had improperly used U.S. artificial intelligence technologies. At that time, he signaled the department’s intent to impose restrictions on such actors, noting the seriousness of potential misuse.

    Source: Reuters,