Washington is buzzing over reports that X may be blocking Signal links amid federal leaks, while AI experts sound alarms on Musk’s rush to automate government cuts. Meanwhile, concerns over drone security loom large for both the NFL and national defense and DeepSeek’s rapid rise has triggered fresh global restrictions. From Elon Musk’s growing influence over government downsizing to South Korea’s crackdown on China’s AI ambitions, stay ahead of the conversation with this week’s most pressing tech policy developments.

In this week’s Nimitz Tech:

• Elon: Musk’s AI-driven government cuts could backfire—experts warn of chaos, security risks, and costly blunders.

• X: A mysterious block on Signal links has sparked concerns that Musk’s X is suppressing leaks from federal workers.

• DeepSeek: South Korea has banned China’s DeepSeek AI chatbot over privacy concerns, joining a growing list of countries wary of its data practices.

WHO’S HAVING EVENTS THIS WEEK?

Wednesday, February 19th

• 🚸 Senate Hearing: “Children’s Safety in the Digital Era: Strengthening Protections and Addressing Legal Gaps.” Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Hearing scheduled for 10:15 AM in 226 Dirksen SOB. Watch here.

TECH NEWS DRIVING THE WEEK

In Washington

• Congressional Republicans are increasingly divided over Elon Musk’s central role in the Trump administration’s push to shrink the federal government. While some, like Senate Majority Leader John Thune, support his rapid reforms, others worry that an unelected billionaire slashing jobs and shutting down agencies is politically damaging—especially among moderates and independents, who disapprove of his leadership by significant margins. Concerns over conflicts of interest, erratic decision-making, and Musk’s brash public statements have further fueled GOP frustration, with lawmakers questioning his authority and the impact on their constituents. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats are seizing on the controversy, demanding Musk disclose financial conflicts and accusing him of illegally dismantling key federal agencies.

• Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is reportedly embracing an “AI-first” strategy to identify government inefficiencies and recommend budget cuts, but experts caution that reckless deployment of AI could lead to disastrous consequences. While AI has potential for streamlining processes, critics warn that poorly tested systems could introduce security risks, automate flawed decision-making, and harm vulnerable populations reliant on government services. Skeptics argue that AI’s well-documented tendency for errors—so-called “hallucinations”—could result in misguided budget slashes or systemic discrimination, particularly if human oversight is lacking. Despite these concerns, industry figures acknowledge AI’s utility in speeding up preliminary analysis, though they emphasize that final decisions must remain in human hands.

National

• NFL executives and U.S. intelligence officials share a growing fear: the rising threat of drones, particularly those made in China, which could be used for surveillance or attacks on American soil. The lack of coordination between local, state, and federal authorities leaves critical infrastructure—including stadiums, power stations, and military sites—vulnerable to potential drone swarms. While some recent sightings were dismissed as hobbyist activity or FAA-approved tests, defense experts warn that drone warfare is already shaping modern conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, with the Pentagon rushing to develop counter-drone technology. However, industry leaders stress that without updated legislation empowering authorities to deploy these defenses, the U.S. will remain exposed to an inevitable—and potentially devastating—drone attack.

• Users of Elon Musk’s social media platform X were unable to post or share links to the encrypted messaging app Signal, raising concerns over possible censorship. Attempts to share Signal.me links were met with error messages, though other Signal-related domains remained accessible. While it is unclear whether the block was intentional, the timing has raised suspicion, as journalists have recently encouraged federal workers affected by Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) policies to contact them securely via Signal. The move has fueled speculation that X may be suppressing leaks from government employees as Musk spearheads controversial federal downsizing efforts.

International

• South Korea has blocked new downloads of China’s DeepSeek AI chatbot, citing concerns over compliance with national data protection laws. The decision follows similar bans in Taiwan, Australia, and Italy, as governments worldwide scrutinize the app’s data storage policies and potential national security risks. Despite the suspension, existing users in South Korea can continue using DeepSeek or access it via its website. DeepSeek’s rapid rise as a cost-efficient alternative to U.S. AI models has fueled both excitement and regulatory anxiety, with lawmakers in the U.S. proposing federal bans over surveillance fears. The controversy underscores growing geopolitical tensions in the global AI race, particularly regarding data security and China’s expanding influence in the industry.

FOR FUN

• 🎤 Story Time for Grown-Ups | 7 p.m. | Free | Library of Congress

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