American lawmakers are addressing the rise of DeepSeek, with one proposing a law that would fine users as much as $1 million for using it.

Senator Josh Hawley has introduced “Decoupling America’s Artificial Intelligence Capabilities from China Act of 2025,” a bill that would criminalize the use of DeepSeek. The bill is designed to prohibit U.S. citizens from advancing China’s AI capabilities.

A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit United States persons from advancing artificial intelligence capabilities within the People’s Republic of China, and for other purposes.

If passed, the bill would criminalize the import/export of AI technology from China. As a result, it is likely that the mere use of Chinese AI models, such as DeepSeek, would be considered a criminal act under the new law.

The bill includes stiff penalties for companies and individuals alike.

IN GENERAL.—A United States per19 son that violates section 2742 that is not an individual shall—

• (i) be fined not more than $100,000,000; and
• (ii) forfeit any license, contract, subcontract, grant, or public benefit awarded by any Federal agency.

ASSOCIATES OF ENTITIES.—An officer, director, partner, agent, or employee that violates section 2742 shall—

• (i) be fined not more than $1,000,000; and
• (ii) forfeit any license, contract, subcontract, grant, or public benefit awarded by any Federal agency.

INDIVIDUALS.—A United States person who is an individual that violates section 2742 shall—

• (A) be fined not more than $1,000,000; and
• (B) forfeit any license, contract, subcontract, grant, or public benefit awarded by any Federal agency.

If Hawley’s bill passes, it would be a marked departure from previous U.S. policy. Previous bans of Chinese apps and services, such as TikTok, have never gone so far as impose penalties on individual users. The fact that this bill would do that underscores just how much U.S. lawmakers consider China’s AI capabilities a threat.