Texas Governor Orders Ban on DeepSeek, RedNote for Government Devices

In a decisive move to protect critical infrastructure and national security, Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott has issued a ban on several Chinese-owned apps for government-issued devices. This includes the popular AI platform DeepSeek, social media apps Xiaohongshu (RedNote), and Lemon8. Governor Abbott’s action marks the first state-level ban of its kind, sending a clear message that Texas will not tolerate data-harvesting tools from foreign adversaries, particularly those linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Texas will not allow the Chinese Communist Party to infiltrate our state’s critical infrastructure through data-harvesting AI and social media apps,” Abbott stated in a public announcement. “Texas will continue to protect and defend our state from hostile foreign actors, ensuring that our systems and information remain secure.

This ban is part of a broader trend across the United States where federal agencies and state governments are scrutinizing Chinese-owned apps for potential national security risks. As artificial intelligence technology grows in prominence, the concerns over its usage, especially by foreign governments, have intensified. DeepSeek, an AI startup, and its affiliated apps, have become the center of controversy due to their rapid rise in popularity in the U.S. market.

DeepSeek’s Vulnerabilities

The Texas government’s decision to restrict the use of DeepSeek and other Chinese apps stems from growing concerns regarding the security vulnerabilities of such platforms. DeepSeek has been described as an AI tool that has the ability to compete with industry giants like OpenAI, which powers ChatGPT. However, experts warn that the platform’s potential to harvest personal data, coupled with its ties to China, may pose significant risks to user privacy and data integrity.

As DeepSeek continues to attract a significant number of users, especially in the United States, concerns over its access to sensitive information have been mounting. The AI model, much like other Chinese technology companies, is governed by Chinese laws that compel companies to provide user data to the Chinese government if requested. This raises the possibility of China obtaining sensitive information from American citizens, corporations, and government personnel through platforms like DeepSeek, which is gaining ground among users eager to use advanced AI for personal and business applications.

The Governor’s office has not provided specific details on the precise vulnerabilities DeepSeek might have, but the actions against it follow a growing pattern of government intervention in tech companies tied to foreign adversaries. Abbott’s executive order underscores the belief that unregulated Chinese apps could be exploited for espionage, data mining, and potentially cyberattacks on critical state infrastructure.

The RedNote and Lemon8 Apps

In addition to banning DeepSeek, Governor Abbott also targeted two popular Chinese-owned social media apps: Xiaohongshu, known in the U.S. as RedNote, and Lemon8. Both platforms are owned by ByteDance, the same parent company behind TikTok, which has already faced significant scrutiny and restrictions on government devices nationwide. As part of this growing trend, Texas is now taking steps to eliminate any risk posed by these platforms, especially in the wake of TikTok’s temporary ban in January 2024.

Xiaohongshu (RedNote) has become especially popular in the U.S. after TikTok’s brief ban, with many users seeking alternatives to the platform. The app boasts a user base of about 300 million active users, predominantly in China, Malaysia, and Taiwan. In the U.S., it gained popularity as a replacement for TikTok, and some American users turned to it as a form of protest against the ban. However, concerns over the app’s data collection practices and the potential for its use by the Chinese government to spy on American citizens and gather intelligence have raised alarms.

Lemon8, another ByteDance-owned app, has similarly gained traction as a rival to TikTok. Although it is smaller in terms of user base, its rapid growth following the TikTok ban further fueled concerns among U.S. authorities. With Chinese companies already under increased scrutiny, the fact that both RedNote and Lemon8 are owned by ByteDance has only heightened suspicions regarding their data privacy practices.

The Broader Context of National Security and Data Privacy

Governor Abbott’s decision to issue the ban highlights broader concerns regarding the role of foreign-owned apps in compromising national security. The U.S. has already banned TikTok from government devices, citing concerns over data privacy and the risk of espionage. Abbott’s move demonstrates the growing concern that Chinese apps, particularly those with access to large volumes of personal data, may serve as a tool for the Chinese government to gather intelligence on American citizens and infrastructure.

Texas is not alone in addressing these security risks. Other states and the federal government have initiated similar actions to restrict the use of Chinese-owned apps on government devices. The most high-profile example of this is the federal government’s decision to ban TikTok on devices issued to government employees, which was initiated by President Trump in 2024.

Moreover, U.S. intelligence agencies have raised concerns about the potential for these apps to be used for cyber espionage. The fear is that these platforms can be leveraged to infiltrate government systems, harvest sensitive information, and possibly manipulate or influence public opinion. With this in mind, Texas officials are taking a firm stand against the growing influence of Chinese technology on American soil.

A Step Toward Increased Security Measures

Governor Abbott’s executive order may be a preemptive measure to ensure that the state’s critical infrastructure remains protected from foreign interference. By issuing this ban, Texas is aligning itself with other states that are increasing their cybersecurity measures in the face of new technological threats. This move sends a message to other state and federal authorities that the threat of foreign espionage via mobile apps and AI platforms is a growing concern.

As these platforms continue to evolve, and AI technologies like DeepSeek become more integrated into daily life, it will be essential for governments to monitor and regulate these tools more closely. The rise of foreign adversary-driven AI applications and social media apps highlights the need for transparency, strong data protection laws, and more robust cybersecurity frameworks.

Conclusion

Governor Greg Abbott’s ban on DeepSeek, RedNote, and Lemon8 for government devices is just the latest in a series of actions aimed at safeguarding Texas’s critical infrastructure from foreign threats. As AI platforms and social media apps become more powerful, the need for greater vigilance and regulatory oversight grows stronger. With Texas leading the charge in combating potential threats from China, other states and the federal government are likely to follow suit in tightening their own cybersecurity measures, ensuring that their digital landscapes remain secure from foreign influence.