Montana Attorney General Orders Ban on China-Based AI Platform, Citing Security Risks

HELENA – In a move to protect state law enforcement from potential foreign espionage, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has now prohibited the use of DeepSeek—a Chinese artificial intelligence platform—on all Montana Department of Justice (MTDOJ) devices. The ban is effective immediately and applies to cell phones, laptops, tablets, and desktop computers.

DeepSeek, which stores data on servers in the People’s Republic of China, reportedly includes hidden code capable of sending user data to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)—a known adversary of the United States. According to the Attorney General’s office, using the platform puts the personal information, identities, and online activities of Montanans at risk.

“Our first line of defense is ensuring that our own law enforcement personnel aren’t inadvertently handing over sensitive data,” Knudsen wrote in a letter to MTDOJ employees. “Prohibiting DeepSeek on state devices is critical to safeguarding Montanans from potential data breaches and foreign espionage.”

Stronger Protections for MTDOJ Networks

Knudsen’s letter calls on the Justice Information and Technology Services (JITS) division and all department heads to take immediate steps preventing access to DeepSeek on any MTDOJ device. Further, any third-party entity wishing to do business with the MTDOJ is also prohibited from using DeepSeek, unless granted a waiver. Employees who require DeepSeek for investigative purposes are instructed to seek approval from the Chief of Staff prior to use.

Knudsen’s decision aligns with growing international concern. Government agencies in Canada, Australia, South Korea, and Taiwan have blocked DeepSeek on official devices; Italy has gone so far as to ban the program nationwide. The AI platform is also reportedly linked to China Mobile, which has been sanctioned by the U.S. government for its ties to the Chinese military.

Ongoing Battles Over TikTok Ban

Montana has been at the forefront of restricting Chinese-owned technology deemed to pose national security threats. In 2023, Attorney General Knudsen worked with the Montana Legislature to enact a first-of-its-kind statewide ban on TikTok. Congress followed suit with a nationwide ban, but enforcement remains in limbo. An executive order signed by President Trump has temporarily delayed the ban, citing an effort to find a U.S. buyer for TikTok before fully implementing the prohibition.

Some civil liberties advocates believe bans like these overreach. “We appreciate the desire to protect citizens’ data,” said a spokesperson for the Internet Freedom Coalition, “but outright bans on technology can undermine free speech and set problematic precedents. It’s crucial to address security concerns without stifling innovation or personal freedoms.”

Despite these criticisms, Knudsen and his office appear resolute in mitigating what they view as a mounting security risk. In December 2023, he joined with other attorneys general urging the Supreme Court to uphold a national TikTok ban—and the new measures against DeepSeek signal that the Attorney General intends to continue cracking down on tech platforms linked to the CCP.