In a decisive move to enhance cybersecurity and protect sensitive government data, the Norwegian Parliament (Stortinget) has officially banned the use of the Chinese AI application DeepSeek on all devices that access parliamentary information and services. This prohibition applies to smartphones, tablets, and computers, including those where DeepSeek is already installed, making the app inaccessible on these devices.
Why Norway banned DeepSeek
The decision follows an advisory from the Norwegian National Security Authority (Nasjonal sikkerhetsmyndighet, NSM), urging Norwegian organizations to block DeepSeek on IT equipment used for work-related tasks. NSM stated, “Service devices are an integral part of the organization’s digital infrastructure, with the same need for security as, for example, desktop or laptop computers.” They strongly recommended that organizations restrict employees from downloading unauthorized applications on official devices.
Security and privacy concerns
The Parliament’s administration highlighted risks associated with DeepSeek, including data privacy, cybersecurity threats, and misinformation. A spokesperson for the administration stated, “The administration emphasizes that the information security on the Parliament’s units related to the Parliament’s information is well taken care of. We are not aware of security breaches related to the Parliament’s information through the use of apps on devices that have access to the Parliament’s systems.”
Global concerns over Chinese AI apps
Norway joins a growing list of countries that have imposed restrictions on DeepSeek due to security and privacy risks. Australia recently banned DeepSeek on federal government devices, citing an “unacceptable risk” to national security. In the United States, federal agencies, including NASA and the Pentagon, have prohibited employees from using DeepSeek, citing concerns over potential data sharing with the Chinese government and security vulnerabilities.
Growing scrutiny of AI and data privacy
The global debate surrounding AI applications, especially those developed by Chinese companies, is intensifying. Many governments are increasing scrutiny of foreign AI software to protect national security and prevent data breaches. The Norwegian Parliament’s decision reflects a broader trend of nations implementing stricter cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive information.
