US lawmakers push to ban DeepSeek; Americans could face 20 years in prison or $1 mn fine for downloading app
World: US Senator Josh Hawley aims to limit China's AI influence with a new bill proposing strict penalties for using Chinese AI models, including hefty fines and prison time.
US Senator Josh Hawley has introduced a bill to curb China’s influence in artificial intelligence. If passed, the law would impose severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, or both, for individuals who knowingly download Chinese-developed AI models like DeepSeek.
The measure signals escalating tensions between the U.S. and China as both nations race for AI dominance.
Also read | 'No US soldiers needed': Trump restates his take over plan, says Israel would handover Gaza after fighting
Aim of the bill
The bill, filed last week, aims to ban US persons from advancing AI capabilities tied to China, including the rising star in AI, DeepSeek.
Harvard AI research fellow Ben Brooks claimed that the measure stands out as “the most aggressive legislative action on AI to date," as quoted by the report.
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Half-tank rule’: Does keeping your fuel tank full improve mileage?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Ebola outbreak declared 'international health emergency' by WHO: Is it a pandemic? WION Decodes
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Automatic cars vs manuals’: Which uses more fuel?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Does regular servicing actually improve your car’s fuel economy?
)
Why Swedes still sing Rabindrasangeet more than a century later
)
Is Britain heading back to the EU? Wes Streeting pushes Brexit reversal as reports claim Keir Starmer may quit
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Flight Deck Boots': Why USS Abraham Lincoln sailors wear extremely heavy shoes
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Does turning off the radio and headlights actually save fuel?
)
Who won yesterday's IPL 2026 match between Lucknow Super Giants vs Chennai Super Kings? Check result
)
Netherlands to return 11th-century Chola copper plates to India during PM Modi’s visit
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Hydraulic Arms': How the USS Abraham Lincoln pops up its emergency net
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Does charging your phone and using your car’s Bluetooth waste fuel?
)
'Made in Pakistan' fan donated to UP madrasa triggers probe
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
What are Chola copper plates that Netherlands returned to PM Modi? FULL LIST of other artefacts brought back to India since 2014
)
'The sofa was clearly higher': Here's how social media reacted to Trump-Xi viral video
)
'Calm before the storm': Trump warns of 'very bad time' for Iran amid reports of Operation Sledgehammer
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Night Vision': Why the USS Abraham Lincoln bans white flashlights on deck
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters fastest to 14,000 T20 runs
)
Bermuda Triangle Mystery 'Solved': Scientists REVEAL Structure Found Beneath Island
)
Jana Nayagan release: CM Vijay takes action, asks producer to return from Cannes
)
‘Prepare for battle of Britain’: Tommy Robinson tells tens of thousands at London rally
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How much fuel do frequent gear changes really waste?
)
From weapons to wheels: Sweden’s deepening ‘Make in India’ partnership
)
Man ploughs car into crowd killing 8 in Italy, stabs 1 when stopped - What we know about the driver?
)
CNG price hiked for second time in two days. Here's how much it will cost now
)
Trump in bonkers boast reveals he told Xi 'we spy like hell on China'
)
Pakistani Lashkar terrorist infiltrates to set up sleeper cells, gets hair transplant done in Srinagar
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Does parking in the shade prevent fuel evaporation in the summer?
)
Noida protest accused was transferred Rs 1 crore in foreign currency to his bank account
)
Jana Nayagan on OTT: Vijay’s victory renews interest in his film, streaming platforms compete to get digital rights
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Does cruise control really save fuel?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
What is the ideal car speed for maximum fuel savings?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Sleep Deprived': How the USS Abraham Lincoln crew survives endless night operations
)
India restricts import of two types of silver bars with immediate effect
)
India's Green Mirage: Northeast is quietly losing its forest cover while India celebrates gains
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Indian rupee becomes Asia’s worst-performing currency- Who else is on the list?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Indians at Cannes 2026: Alia Bhatt, Aditi Rao Hydari, Huma Qureshi and others stun on the global red carpet
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Petrol vs diesel: Which car engine really saves more money in daily driving?
)
How a Norwegian conglomerate preserved the taste of South India and turned it global
What does the US Senator say?
Hawley, in a statement, said, “Every dollar and gig of data that flows into Chinese AI are dollars and data that will ultimately be used against the United States. America cannot afford to empower our greatest adversary at the expense of our own strength. Ensuring American economic superiority means cutting China off from American ingenuity and halting the subsidisation of CCP innovation.”
Also read | Crew at airport's control tower 'understaffed', says Trump as he vows to cut old system loose
Hawley also described DeepSeek as “a data-harvesting, low-cost AI model that sparked international concern and sent American technology stocks plummeting.”
Will the bill be passed?
While the bill's future is uncertain as it was tabled shortly after its introduction, its existence signals the growing urgency in Congress to address the security and economic concerns surrounding AI technologies.
Though Hawley’s bill may not pass in its current form, the introduction of the bill indicates that Congress could bring forward more AI restrictions in the coming months. Whether or not DeepSeek will be formally banned, the debate over China’s role in AI is far from over.
(With inputs from agencies)