AI News Monitor

Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has issued a ban on the use of Chinese artificial intelligence company DeepSeek and several Chinese-owned social media apps on all state-issued devices, marking the first state-level restriction on the popular AI chatbot. The move underscores growing concerns over data security and foreign influence in the U.S.

In addition to DeepSeek, the governor’s order prohibits the use of Xiaohongshu (also known as RedNote) and Lemon8, two social media platforms owned by Chinese companies. The decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of Chinese-owned technology and its potential risks to national security.

“Texas will not allow the Chinese Communist Party to infiltrate our state’s critical infrastructure through data-harvesting AI and social media apps,” Abbott said in a statement. “Texas will continue to protect and defend our state from hostile foreign actors.”

The governor’s office declined to provide further comment on the matter.

DeepSeek’s Rise and Texas’ Response

DeepSeek, a relatively new player in the AI industry, has recently gained significant traction among American users, with its capabilities drawing comparisons to industry leader OpenAI. The platform’s rapid rise has sparked both admiration and concern within the tech community, particularly regarding data privacy and potential ties to the Chinese government.

Texas’ ban on DeepSeek is the first of its kind in the U.S., signaling a proactive approach to addressing perceived threats posed by foreign AI technologies. The state has previously taken similar steps against TikTok, the popular video-sharing app owned by Chinese company ByteDance, which is also the parent company of Lemon8.

Social Media Apps in the Crosshairs

Xiaohongshu and Lemon8 have also found themselves under scrutiny. Xiaohongshu, a lifestyle and e-commerce platform with approximately 300 million active users, gained popularity in the U.S. as a potential alternative to TikTok during the brief period when the latter faced a federal ban. Lemon8, another ByteDance-owned app, similarly saw increased interest among American users.

Both apps have been criticized for their data collection practices, with critics arguing that they could be used as tools for espionage or influence operations by the Chinese government.

Broader Implications

Texas’ decision reflects a broader trend of states and the federal government taking action against Chinese-owned technology. TikTok, for instance, has been banned on government devices in numerous states and at the federal level. The app’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain, as President Trump’s executive order granting ByteDance additional time to divest TikTok’s U.S. operations has left the issue unresolved.

ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok and Lemon8, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Texas’ latest ban.

A Growing Divide

The ban highlights the escalating tensions between the U.S. and China over technology and data security. As AI and social media platforms become increasingly integral to daily life, governments are grappling with how to balance innovation with national security concerns.

For now, Texas is leading the charge in restricting access to these platforms on government devices, setting a precedent that other states may follow. As the debate over foreign technology continues, the implications for global tech companies and their users remain to be seen.