DeepSeek AI SUNY & state ban: What it means for UB

By Sarah Zamer
IT Communications Specialist

Earlier this year, Governor Hochul issued a statewide ban on DeepSeek AI for government devices and networks due to serious concerns regarding “DeepSeek AI’s connection to foreign government surveillance and censorship, including how DeepSeek can be used to harvest user data and steal technology secrets.”

In response, SUNY and UB are fully aligning with the state’s directive to safeguard university data and uphold cybersecurity standards.

UB students, faculty and staff cannot download, access, or use DeepSeek AI on any UB-owned devices or when connected to UB networks. This includes both desktop and mobile platforms.

All AI tools, whether free or paid, must be reviewed and approved by the UB Software Review team. This ensures that AI tools meet UB’s security, privacy, and compliance standards.

Category 1 (restricted) or Category 2 (private) university data cannot be entered into any AI tool that has not been explicitly authorized by UB. This includes personal information, research data, student records, and proprietary content.

AI must not be used in ways which violate UB or SUNY policies, or any applicable state or federal laws.  

Be aware that AI-generated content may be inaccurate, biased, or fabricated.

Microsoft Copilot Chat, is available to faculty, staff, and students by logging in with your UBITName and password.

Once you sign in, Microsoft will never use any information that you input or obtain from a Microsoft Copilot Chat session to train AI models. 

UB students: As with all generative AI tools, please check with each instructor about its appropriate use to ensure that you are abiding by UB’s academic integrity policy.

Need more help with AI at UB? Contact the UBIT Help Center any time you need help with UB technology, online at buffalo.edu/ubit/help or by phone at 716-645-3542. Students can also reach out to The UB Tech Squad for help.