Texas Bans 26 Chinese Tech Firms

Golden padlock on circuit board; representation of cybersecurity | Image by Canva

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has expanded the state’s banned technology list, adding 26 Chinese companies and AI platforms.

The move blocks state employees from using hardware and software deemed security threats, expanding restrictions as states nationwide grapple with cybersecurity risks from foreign adversaries. Abbott cited concerns about data harvesting and potential exploitation by China’s government.

“Rogue actors across the globe who wish harm on Texans should not be allowed to infiltrate our state’s network and devices,” Abbott said in a news release. “Hostile adversaries harvest user data through AI and other applications and hardware to exploit, manipulate, and violate users and put them at extreme risk.”

The newly banned technologies include artificial intelligence companies like Zhipu and Baichuan, alongside popular retailers Temu and Shein. Hardware manufacturers Xiaomi and Hisense also made the list.

Texas Cyber Command, established last June as America’s largest state cybersecurity department, conducted the threat assessment. The agency will lead efforts to identify additional risky technologies.

“The Governor and the Legislature gave a clear mission for the Texas Cyber Command – protect Texans from hostile foreign nations and cyber threat actors,” said TXCC Chief Vice Admiral TJ White. “As TXCC works to stand up its full arsenal of operational assets, we are pleased to lead this effort to prevent cyber attacks that have the potential to exfiltrate sensitive information to bad actors across the globe.”

The ban affects surveillance technology firms SenseTime and Megvii, known for facial recognition systems. Electric vehicle battery makers CATL and Gotion High Tech are also subject to restrictions.

Other notable additions include search giant Baidu, e-commerce platform…

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