(PatriotNews.net) – Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Jimmy Patronis, has taken a bold stand to shield state systems from foreign surveillance by banning DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, over data security fears.
At a Glance
- DeepSeek banned from Florida’s Department of Financial Services due to data security concerns.
- Employees are prohibited from using DeepSeek on state-issued and personal devices linked to the department.
- Breach of directive may lead to disciplinary actions, including dismissal.
- Patronis calls AI the “new Space Race” underscoring risks with foreign data capture.
Guarding State Data
Florida Chief Financial Officer, Jimmy Patronis, issued a directive banning the Chinese AI company DeepSeek within the Department of Financial Services. The ban aligns with concerns over national security and data privacy amidst growing fears that Chinese intelligence agencies could exploit extensive user data collected by DeepSeek. With about six million active users worldwide, the company has ties to entities like China Mobile, raising serious red flags.
Beginning February 19, the directive mandates that DFS employees are prohibited from downloading, installing, or using DeepSeek on department-issued devices and personal devices connected to the department’s network. Noncompliance with this directive may result in severe disciplinary actions under Florida administrative rules, potentially culminating in dismissal or suspension.
DeepSeek’s Defense Strategy
DeepSeek’s vast data collection capabilities have made it a tool for the Chinese government to potentially undermine American AI dominance. Patronis noted that artificial intelligence has become the “new Space Race,” emphasizing the urgent need to protect sensitive department information from potential foreign compromise. His directive is an explicit effort to safeguard state information from foreign adversaries.
“Artificial intelligence is the new ‘Space Race,’ and as it grows in popularity, I will not allow sensitive Department information to be compromised through a Chinese AI app that can harm Floridians. President Trump said DeepSeek was a wake-up call, and he’s absolutely right. AI can be a huge resource for good, but it can also be a weapon if it’s in the wrong hands. Americans must be protected, and American companies must out-compete China. My directive prohibits any use of DeepSeek at the Department of Financial Services as well as any access of it on a Department device.” – CFO Jimmy Patronis.
Collective Precautionary Measures
Florida’s move is part of a broader initiative to shield state information from foreign forces, with similar actions already mirrored by states like Texas and New York in response to identified security risks. Existing DFS policies already prohibit unauthorized software use and necessitate rigorous measures to protect sensitive state records. This directive solidifies the commitment to maintaining digital sovereignty and ensuring that state systems are impervious to external threats.
“enter relevant restricted areas and venues; learn from and question relevant institutions, organizations and individuals and read or collect relevant files, material or items.” – Article 16 of China’s 2017 National Intelligence Law.
In their efforts to leverage AI tools beneficially yet safely, states like Florida underscore the dual nature of AI as both a resource and potential tool for digital warfare. By instituting these precautions, the U.S. makes it clear they’re committed to securing sensitive data from adversarial foreign entities.
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