Commonwealth of Virginia Executive Order restricts access to DeepSeek
Access to DeepSeek on state-owned or managed resources is prohibited.
A new state executive order prohibits the use of DeepSeek’s artificial intelligence large language model via the website (deepseek.com) or app on university-owned devices and networks, and requires that these applications be deleted from university-owned devices. Effective immediately (Feb. 12, 2025), access to these apps and websites will be restricted on all Virginia Tech and state-managed networks, including eduroam, VT Open WiFi, wired, and VPN (virtual private network) at Virginia Tech.
Please see the frequently asked questions below for additional clarification.
Frequently Asked Questions
An executive order issued by the Governor of Virginia requires all state-affiliated entities - of which Virginia Tech is one - to stop using DeepSeek’s cloud-native website or applications.
The Division of Information Technology will implement technical controls to limit access to DeepSeek.com on the Virginia Tech network, VT Open WiFi, and our VPN (virtual private network).
Researchers and others exploring Large Language Model (LLM) development should reach out to Advanced Research Computing (http://arc.vt.edu/help) for additional guidance on working with downloaded or containerized LLM models.
Yes. The DeepSeek app is not permitted on university-owned devices.
As a student using your own personal device, you can use DeepSeek - however, you cannot access it over eduroam or any Virginia Tech network.
Effective immediately, use of DeepSeek over the university network, on a university-owned device, and/or for university business is a violation of Virginia Tech’s Acceptable Use policy. Violation of this policy is subject to student conduct action for students and personnel actions for employees.
Thanks for reviewing this information. For research-related questions regarding this matter, please reach out to Advanced Research Computing (ARC) at http://arc.vt.edu/help. For other questions, please contact 4Help IT Support online at 4help.vt.edu or by phone at 540-231-4357.