The ban, issued via email to sailors on Friday, directed them to avoid using the DeepSeek AI Assistant “in any capacity” due to “potential security and ethical concerns” since the AI model originates from China, CNBC reported. Japan-based sailors queried by Stars and Stripes said they had not received the memo as of Wednesday afternoon.

The U.S. Navy issued a warning to its members to avoid using DeepSeek “in any capacity,” due to “potential security and ethical concerns.”

The United States Navy has officially banned the use of China’s DeepSeek AI across all operations. In a memo reportedly sent on Jan. 24, the Navy informed personnel that the generative AI model must not be used “in any capacity,