Texas Bans Chinese Apps DeepSeek and RedNote on Government Devices

Governor Greg Abbott cites national security concerns in prohibiting the use of Chinese-owned AI and social media platforms on state-issued devices.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has banned the use of Chinese-owned AI platform DeepSeek and social media app RedNote on all government-issued devices, citing concerns over potential data harvesting and espionage.
The executive order also extends to other Chinese-developed apps, including Lemon8, Webull, Tiger Brokers, and Moomoo, as part of efforts to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive government data.
DeepSeek, a rising AI competitor, has sparked debate in the tech industry, with some experts viewing it as a challenge to U.S.-based companies like OpenAI, while others downplay its significance.
RedNote and Lemon8 gained popularity in the U.S. as alternatives during TikTok's brief ban earlier in January, raising concerns about foreign influence on social media platforms.
The ban applies only to state-issued devices, leaving Texas residents free to use the apps on personal devices, though officials have encouraged caution regarding potential security risks.