Kansas state employees will no longer be able to use DeepSeek on their state owned or issued devices after Governor Laura Kelly (D) signed HB 2313 into law on April 8. The sunflower state’s new law provides that no state owned or issued electronic device can be used to access an “artificial intelligence platform of concern.” Further, any network that is operated by a state agency must prohibit the use of AI platforms of concern who access the network.

The bill defines AI platforms of concern to include DeepSeek and any AI model that is owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence Basic Technology Research Company or a subsidiary or successor company of such company. It also includes any AI model that is controlled, directly or indirectly, by China (including Hong Kong), Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela. The definition specifically excludes Taiwan.

The law also directs state agencies to deactivate and delete any accounts currently in use. However, accounts that are used for law enforcement and cybersecurity purposes are exempted.

In written testimony, House Majority Whip Nick Hoheisel (R) stated that the bill “is a necessary step to safeguard our state’s digital infrastructure, sensitive data, and the privacy of our government employees.”

Other states have banned the use of DeepSeek through executive actions, including Alabama, Arkansas, New York, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.