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Australia has banned DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence app, from all government systems and devices citing national security concerns. The Department of Home Affairs announced the immediate ban after intelligence agencies determined that DeepSeek poses an "unacceptable level of security risk," with assessments indicating the app is "almost certainly under the direct control of the Chinese government." Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that the decision aligns with similar actions taken by other countries to protect sensitive information. Defense Minister Richard Marles noted that having the app on government networks would represent an unacceptable risk. The ban requires public servants to remove the AI app from government devices immediately. The move follows warnings from cybersecurity firm Cyber CX about potential data vulnerabilities associated with DeepSeek's use. Some private sector entities, such as Vodafone owner TPG Telecom—the first Australian company to ban DeepSeek—have also advised employees against using the app, even on personal devices. India's finance ministry has also directed employees to avoid using AI tools like DeepSeek on official devices.