Virginia GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin has issued an executive order banning the China-based artificial intelligence app DeepSeek from being downloaded and used on state-run networks and devices.

Youngkin in issuing the order Tuesday said the app poses a threat to the security and safety of Commonwealth residents.

"We must continue to take steps to safeguard our operations and information from the Chinese Communist Party," he alsosaid. "This executive order is an important part of that undertaking." 

This executive order also forbids employees working for state agencies from downloading or using the app.

In 2022, Youngkin banned the China-based social media app TikTok for being used on state devices as.