Strict Penalties Proposed for Users of Chinese AI App DeepSeek

A US lawmaker has introduced new legislation that would impose hefty fines and prison sentences on those using a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) app, as part of broader efforts to curb China's technological influence.

According to international media reports, Republican Senator Josh Hawley proposed the bill to prevent American citizens from using AI tools developed in China.

If passed, the law would restrict the import of Chinese technology, and violators could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million. Businesses found in violation could be fined up to $100 million.

While the proposed law does not explicitly name the AI chatbot "DeepSeek," it comes just a week after the Chinese app gained widespread popularity in the US, surpassing other AI tools and affecting American tech stocks.

Former US President Donald Trump has previously warned that Chinese apps pose a serious threat to the American tech industry.