By Sarah Baafi
Texas has taken a significant step by becoming the first U.S. state to ban the Chinese AI app DeepSeek, along with other apps like RedNote, from government-issued devices.
This decision was made by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who highlighted concerns about data privacy and national security risks associated with these apps. Abbott stated, “Texas will not allow the Chinese Communist Party to infiltrate our state’s critical infrastructure through data-harvesting AI and social media apps.” This move underscores growing apprehensions about foreign influence in American digital infrastructure.
DeepSeek is an AI platform that gained rapid popularity after its global launch on January 20, 2025. It has been praised for its capabilities similar to industry leaders like OpenAI but at a much lower cost. However, this success has also raised alarms over potential security threats due to its ties with China. The platform’s rise has sparked debates about balancing technological advancements with national security considerations.
The ban in Texas extends beyond DeepSeek and RedNote to include other Chinese-affiliated apps such as Webull, Tiger Brokers, Moomoo, and Lemon8—a social media app owned by ByteDance. This comprehensive approach reflects broader national concerns about foreign influence in American digital infrastructure. By targeting these specific platforms, Texas aims to safeguard sensitive information from potential espionage or data breaches linked to foreign governments.
This action follows previous efforts by states like South Dakota banning TikTok due to similar security concerns. The move aligns with federal actions aimed at scrutinising foreign-owned technology firms over national security risks. A bipartisan bill is being proposed at the federal level to ban DeepSeek from government devices nationwide. Such legislative efforts highlight a growing consensus across political lines regarding the need for stricter oversight of foreign tech companies operating within U.S. borders.
Beyond Texas, several countries have taken similar steps against DeepSeek due to national security fears. Australia banned it from government devices, citing unacceptable risks; Italy moved towards removing it from app stores; Taiwan prohibited it on government devices; and South Korea temporarily blocked access amid security concerns. These international responses underscore growing global apprehensions about Chinese technology’s impact on domestic security systems.
The ban in Texas sets a precedent for other states and potentially federal action against Chinese-owned tech companies perceived as threats. As Rep. Josh Gottheimer noted regarding proposed legislation banning DeepSeek federally: “This should be a no-brainer in terms of actions we should take immediately”. The ongoing scrutiny highlights growing tensions between technological advancement and geopolitical considerations in digital governance policies worldwide—tensions that are likely to continue shaping both domestic policy decisions and international relations involving technology giants linked closely with nation-states like China.
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