New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has issued a statewide ban on DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence from being downloaded on state-managed devices and networks, she announced Monday.

DeepSeek is an AI Chinese startup founded in 2023 that has been able to compete with industry leaders like OpenAI. DeepSeek's AI assistant became the No. 1 downloaded free app on Apple's iPhone store on Jan. 27, propelled by curiosity about the ChatGPT competitor.

The startup has raised concerns in the U.S. in regards to DeepSeek AI’s connection to foreign government surveillance and censorship, including how DeepSeek can be used to potentially harvest user data and steal technology secrets.

“Public safety is my top priority and we’re working aggressively to protect New Yorkers from foreign and domestic threats,” Hochul said in a statement. “New York will continue fighting to combat cyber threats, ensure the privacy and safety of our data, and safeguard against state-sponsored censorship.”

Texas was the first state to ban DeepSeek on government devices on Jan. 31.

“Technologies policy that was established at her direction over a year ago to responsibly evaluate AI systems, better serve New Yorkers, and ensure agencies remain vigilant about protecting against unwanted outcomes,” state Office of Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer Dru Rai said in a statement.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.