US bans DeepSeek from federal IT systems amid broader AI investment restrictions

The US Department of Homeland Security ordered the removal of DeepSeek products from federal civilian agency IT systems, warning that use by government employees could expose sensitive information to China. This action follows new US Treasury rules proposing blocks on US investments in AI and high-risk semiconductors in several foreign countries, targeting geopolitical rivals including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Cuba. Additionally, South Korea's Shinhan Card is testing yen stablecoin payments with Japan's SBI VC Trade and SBI XDC Network APAC for cross-border travel and trade settlement.