Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The Department of Homeland Security has ordered federal civilian executive branch agencies to exclude covered DeepSeek products and services from procurements and remove them from agency IT systems. The order also covers third-party products and services developed using DeepSeek implementations for removal from those systems. It does not establish a general ban on DeepSeek for private individuals or all U.S. businesses.
The order was issued on July 24, 2026, and DHS published notice of it in the Federal Register on October 20, 2026. Its stated scope excludes civilian agencies’ national security systems and secure compartmented information systems.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →What does the DHS DeepSeek order require?
It imposes two distinct requirements on covered federal civilian agencies: exclude DeepSeek and affiliated-entity products and services from procurements, and remove covered products and services from agency IT systems. The order says the procurement exclusion took effect immediately after issuance and that removal was required immediately after issuance, unless an exception was sought.
The order is titled Exclusion and Removal Order #2026-01. DHS’s published summary describes products and services developed by Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence Co., Ltd. and affiliated entities, as defined in applicable regulations. For removal from civilian agency IT, it additionally includes third-party products and services developed using DeepSeek implementations.
Popular on Amazon
- 【90 Degree Full Function USB C Adapter】Supports the latest USB4 standard for up to 40Gbps of bandwidth, 8K video support, and up to 240W Fast charging; Support USB PD 3.1 Extended Power Range (EPR) including 140W, 180W and 240W. Your productivity is easily doubled. *Warm Tip: For the best fit, please make sure the USB-C port is fully exposed; thick or bulky cases may affect compatibility.
- 【Reliable Quality】Made from high-quality, scratch-resistant aluminum alloy, delicate metal frame. get excellent wear resistance and heat dissipation. Non-Slip Design for easier insertion and removal.
- 【Small and portable】Ultra thin size, ultra compact design, a petite physique that matches the minimalist design of your modern laptops. Coming with a slim figure that won't block the port next to the one it's plugged into.
- 【Compatibility】Widely work with most usb c, thunderbolt 4/3 devices. Compatibilit for ROG Ally, Steam Deck, Switch, MacBook Pro, Quest 3 VR headset, Surface Book 2, iPhone 18/17/16/15, Samsung Galaxy S23/S22/S21, Note 20/10, Google Pixel, ChromeBook, etc.
- 【Excellence Customer Support】If you experience any issues or cable failure, simply reach out to our dedicated customer service team. We provide a prompt response within 18 hours, providing you with the necessary technical support to resolve any concerns.
- Procurement: covered DeepSeek and affiliate products and services are excluded from federal civilian agency procurements.
- Existing systems: covered DeepSeek and affiliate products must be removed from agency IT systems, along with third-party products and services developed using DeepSeek implementations.
These are federal acquisition and agency IT requirements. The notice does not say that private citizens, private companies, or all U.S. organizations are prohibited from using DeepSeek.
When was the order issued, and when was it published?
The underlying order states that it was released July 24, 2026. DHS published notice in the Federal Register on October 20, 2026, at 91 FR 66346–66350, under docket DHS-2026-0628 and document number 2026-21447. The dates refer to different events: issuance of the order and later publication of notice.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
DHS says the Secretary acted under the Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act of 2018, 41 U.S.C. 1321–1328, and its implementing regulations, after reviewing a Federal Acquisition Security Council recommendation and associated evidence. The official notice and attached order are available in the Federal Register publication.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Does the order cover third-party products built using DeepSeek?
Yes, for removal from civilian agency IT systems: the order includes third-party products and services developed using DeepSeek implementations. It does not provide a public inventory naming every affected vendor or product, so a product’s status cannot be inferred merely because it is an AI tool or includes third-party software.
The practical question for an agency or vendor is whether the specific product or service was developed using a DeepSeek implementation and whether it is used in a covered agency system. The order does not define a blanket ban on all products that happen to interact with DeepSeek, nor does its public notice identify specific third-party products as covered. A determination about a particular item therefore requires evidence about how it was developed and the applicable agency use.
Which agencies and systems are covered?
The order applies to federal civilian executive branch agencies, subject to stated exclusions for national security systems and secure compartmented information systems. It also identifies separate authorities for the Department of Defense and the intelligence community; this order should not be read as the sole rule governing those systems.
Recommended Free Tools
Also popular on Amazon
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Its scope is not a general prohibition across every government system. An agency assessing applicability should distinguish civilian information and communications technology within the order’s scope from the excluded national security and secure compartmented information systems, and consult the relevant authorities for defense or intelligence-community systems.
Could an agency request an exception?
Yes. The order allowed executive agencies to submit written exception requests within 60 days of issuance. The stated period runs from the July 24, 2026 issuance date—not from the October 20 publication date—so it was a limited, date-bound process rather than an ongoing general waiver.
A request had to identify the order and covered product or service, describe the exception sought, provide a compelling justification (such as mission-critical impact or national-interest considerations), and describe alternative mitigations. CISA reviews requests and issues written approvals or disapprovals. The order does not make an exception automatic merely because an agency relies on a product.
Also popular on Amazon
- Portable and powerful USB-C HUB: BENFEI USB Type-C HUB, with super-soft and knot-free silicone woven design cable, meets most mobile office needs. Compact, lightweight, stylish, and powerful portable USB C Hub equipped with 1 x HDMI port, 1 x 100W charging, and 3 x USB ports. 18-month warranty, 24-hour response, to ensure you feel at ease when using our product.
- Design centered on comfort and reliability: Thanks to BENFEI's end-to-end in-house cable production capability, in-house PCBA and assembly capability, using the industry's most advanced silicone woven design and process, 20cm cable in length, no knots, super-soft, the HUB is easy to use in all scenarios: laptop, tablet, stand etc. Super-soft, 25000+ life cycles, to meet your daily carrying and office needs.
- 100W Charging: Support up to 90W USB C pass-through charging via Type-C port to keep your laptop powered. 10W is reserved for other interface operations. No data and video function on the Type-C port.
- 4K HDMI Display: The HDMI port supports media display at resolutions up to 4K 30Hz, keeping every incredible moment detailed and ultra vivid. Please note that the C port of the Host device needs to support video output.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Transfer files and from your laptop at speeds up to 10 Gbps with USB A 3.2 port. Extra 2 USB A 2.0 ports are perfectly for your keyboards and mouse.
Why did DHS order the exclusion and removal?
DHS’s order cites its supply-chain risk assessment, including concerns that DeepSeek-hosted services could expose sensitive information and that security vulnerabilities could exist. It specifically refers to collection of personal information and potential transfer of sensitive prompts to the PRC. These are the government’s stated grounds for the order; the notice itself should not be treated as independent verification of each underlying risk claim.
The policy mechanism is a federal supply-chain restriction: procurement exclusion prevents covered purchases, while removal addresses products already present in covered civilian agency IT. Those separate obligations explain why an agency’s review needs to consider both future acquisition and existing deployments.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should agencies and vendors check?
For a practical scope assessment, start with the system and the product’s development connection—not with a broad assumption that all AI products are covered.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【Read before You Buy】 Note: This adapter is USB 2.0 version and cannot transmit HDM, VGA, or other video signals. Nevertheless, they are fully capable of charging devices,duplicating files, and can be seamlessly integrated with USB-C earphones, wireless network adapters, and SD card adapters.
- 【Easy to Use and Safe】Thanks to modern manufacturing techniques, we've made these adapters sufficiently compact so that they can remain inserted in your device without noticeable protrusion or inconvenience. This means you don't have to constantly plug and unplug them, reducing the likelihood of wear and misalignment, and making them more convenient to carry around.
- 【Reliable Quality】Engineered for enhanced durability, durable aluminum alloy shell material,get excellent wear resistance and heat dissipation,the male USB C and female USB connectors & the male USB and female USB C connectors are designed to be plugged and unplugged up to 20000 times. Provides data transfer, device charging, memory space expansion, and additional computer peripherals.
- 【Think more for you】Do you need to connect a USB-C-enabled device to an odd device that only has USB-A ports? Then these USB-A male to USB-C female adapters are made for you.Simply insert the adapter into the USB-A port on the device, and you can instantly connect your USB-C device to the device that originally didn't have the correct connection port.
- 【Trusted xiwxi Quality and Service】As a responsible brand seller, you will receive xiwxi's 12-month Quality assurance and lifetime friendly customer service, you're not just buying a product,you're investing in peace of mind with all-round quality and exceptional customer service.
- Confirm the system: determine whether the use is in a federal civilian executive branch agency system within the order’s scope, rather than an excluded national security system or secure compartmented information system.
- Check the product relationship: establish whether the product or service was developed by DeepSeek or an affiliated entity, or whether a third-party product was developed using a DeepSeek implementation.
- Review both obligations: assess whether the product is present in existing IT systems and whether it is part of a procurement or planned acquisition.
- Document the basis: retain evidence supporting the product’s development and deployment status, especially where third-party coverage is uncertain.
- Consider the exception path only if applicable: the order specified a written request within 60 days of issuance, with justification and mitigations; CISA provides a written decision.
Because the order does not publish a definitive third-party product list, agencies and vendors should avoid treating an unsupported vendor name or a product’s general AI functionality as proof that it is covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the DHS order ban DeepSeek for ordinary users in the United States?
No. The order concerns federal civilian agency procurements and covered agency IT systems. It does not establish a nationwide prohibition on individual or private-sector use.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Does the 60-day exception period begin when the notice appeared in the Federal Register?
No. The order ties the period to issuance on July 24, 2026. The later October 20 publication date is the date DHS published notice, not the stated start point for the exception window.
Where can I find the official DHS DeepSeek order?
The order is included with DHS’s notice in the Federal Register, published as document 2026-21447. The publication gives the order text and its docket information.
Does any software that connects to DeepSeek automatically fall under the order?
The stated third-party criterion is whether the product or service was developed using a DeepSeek implementation. Connection or interoperability alone is not identified in the notice as sufficient to establish coverage.
