Netherlands bans DeepSeek use by public officials over privacy and espionage risks
The Dutch government banned public officials from using the Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek in February 2025, citing espionage and privacy risks. The Dutch Data Protection Authority had warned that user data could be transferred to China, and similar restrictions had been adopted by Taiwan, Italy, and Australia.
What happened
On 6 February 2025, Dutch State Secretary Zsolt Szabó announced that the Dutch government would ban the use of the Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek by public officials and civil servants due to espionage concerns.
The week prior, the Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) warned the public to use the application cautiously, particularly when uploading information about others, and to consider carefully whether to share personal or sensitive data as it may be transferred to China.
Reported impact
DeepSeek has been available in Apple and Google app stores since early 2025 and is reportedly the most frequently downloaded free application on Apple's platform.
Index analysis
Taiwan, Italy, and Australia had already introduced similar bans on use by public officials, while other European and other countries were investigating the company developing the application.
Governance controls
The Dutch government imposed a ban on use by public officials. The Dutch Data Protection Authority warned users that uploading others' data without consent or knowledge could result in legal consequences.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.