Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued an executive order prohibiting state officials from using Chinese-owned applications DeepSeek and RedNote, along with several other apps, on government devices.
Key policy details: The ban specifically targets Chinese-owned technology that could potentially harvest data through AI and social media applications on Texas government devices.
- The order extends to multiple Chinese-owned applications, including Webull, Tiger Brokers, Moomoo, and Lemon8
- This action follows Abbott’s previous ban of TikTok on government devices in 2022
- The restriction specifically applies to state agencies and employees handling critical infrastructure, intellectual property, and personal information
Rising concerns: DeepSeek and RedNote have recently gained significant popularity in the United States, prompting increased scrutiny of Chinese-owned technology.
- RedNote emerged as one of the top free downloads in Apple’s U.S. app store during TikTok’s brief court-ordered ban
- DeepSeek, an artificial intelligence startup, has drawn attention for its ability to compete with established U.S. tech companies
- The ban reflects growing concerns about data security and potential foreign surveillance through popular applications
Notable reactions: The emergence of DeepSeek has sparked varied responses from prominent technology leaders and political figures.
- Former President Trump characterized DeepSeek’s market presence as a “wake-up call” for American industries
- Former Google CEO Eric Schmitt described DeepSeek’s emergence as a “turning point” in global AI competition, noting its ability to compete with fewer resources
- OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg have downplayed DeepSeek’s impact, with Altman stating its influence has been “wildly overstated”
Strategic implications: The expanding restrictions on Chinese-owned technology reflect broader tensions between U.S. and Chinese technological competition, particularly in critical sectors like artificial intelligence and social media platforms.
- Abbott emphasized the need to protect Texas from “hostile foreign actors” and prevent potential data harvesting
- The ban highlights growing concerns about Chinese companies’ access to sensitive government information and infrastructure
- These measures mirror similar actions taken at both state and federal levels to restrict Chinese-owned technology access to government systems
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