Abbott bars Texas officials from using DeepSeek, RedNote on government devices
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) banned state officials from using Chinese-owned technology such as DeepSeek and RedNote on government devices Friday.
"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 press release. “Texas will continue to protect and defend our state from hostile foreign actors.”
In recent weeks, DeepSeek, an artificial intelligence (AI) startup, and RedNote, a short-form video social media app, have surged in popularity across the country as concerns about Chinese-owned tech continue to escalate following TikTok’s short-lived ban in the U.S.
“State agencies and employees responsible for handling critical infrastructure, intellectual property, and personal information must be protected from malicious espionage operations by the Chinese Communist Party,” Abbott added in the release.
President Trump called DeepSeek’s newfound hold in the country a “wakeup call.”
“The release of DeepSeek, AI from a Chinese company, should be a wake-up call for our industries that we need to be laser-focused on competing to win,” he told House Republicans at their annual policy retreat earlier this week.
Meanwhile, former Google CEO Eric Schmitt called the AI startup’s burst onto the scene a “turning point” in the global artificial intelligence race.
“There is clearly mounting pressure on America’s Big Tech players if DeepSeek can compete with them using far fewer resources,” he wrote in an op-ed.
However, DeepSeek has largely been dismissed by other tech leaders. OpenAI creator Sam Altman claimed the AI model's impact has been “wildly overstated” while Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg voiced confidence in his own company’s AI work.
RedNote, also barred by Abbott in the order, was among the top free downloads in Apple’s U.S. app store the week TikTok’s court ordered ban was slated to come into effect.
Abbott previously banned TikTok from government devices in 2022.
Other apps included in the Texas ban include Webull, Tiger Brokers, Moomoo and Lemon8.
Topics
-
U.S. military prohibited from using Chinese AI DeepSeek
U.S. Military service members have been warned not to use the Chinese artificial intelligence program DeepSeek over its potential security risks and ethical concerns. CBS News national security ...CBS News - 3d -
DeepSeek shows AI's centre of power could shift away from US
The app's strong debut has shaken beliefs that the US would remain the unchallenged global AI superpower, writes the BBC's Marc Cieslak.BBC News - 4d -
How to Use Stolen Device Protection on Apple’s iPhone
Whether you’re worried about a new iPhone or the Apple smartphone you’ve had for ages, activating Stolen Device Protection can limit what thieves can access.Wired - 6d -
US officials push to exempt Ukraine from Rubio’s foreign aid freeze
Support for schools, hospitals and economic development in Ukraine at risk from Trump administration’s orderFinancial Times - Jan. 25 -
DOGE Will Allow Elon Musk to Surveil the US Government From the Inside
A former USDS employee called the repurposing of the Digital Service into DOGE an “A+ bureaucratic jiujitsu move.” It will give Musk and his associates access to unclassified data in every ...Wired - Jan. 24 -
RedNote Recruited US Influencers to Promote App Amid TikTok Ban Uncertainty
A marketing campaign brief obtained by WIRED reveals how the Chinese app is trying to capitalize on its sudden international popularity.Wired - Jan. 20 -
Musk asks his followers if the US 'should liberate the people of Britain from their tyrannical government'
Tech billionaire Elon Musk on Monday asked his followers on the social platform X, which he owns, if the U.S. “should liberate the people of Britain from their tyrannical government.” “America ...The Hill - Jan. 7 -
Truck-ramming suspect used wrong device in failed detonation of IEDs: Officials
The suspect in the deadly New Year's Day truck ramming attack in New Orleans made two previous trips to the city in October and November 2024, the FBI said.ABC News - Jan. 5 -
Smuggled Starlink devices allegedly used to defy India’s internet shutdowns
Civilian and armed groups in conflict-ridden state of Manipur using SpaceX’s satellite internet, sources say. Elon Musk’s satellite-based Starlink – currently unlicensed for use in India – is being ...The Guardian - Jan. 3
More from The Hill
-
The Age of Fear: How fear is suffocating America
Fear is suffocating America, contributing to its spiritual and moral disintegration, and contributing to tribalism, where individuals are judged by their identity rather than their actions.The Hill - 48m -
Michigan priest has license revoked after imitating Musk's gesture at Pro-Life Summit
A Michigan priest had his license rescinded by the Anglican Catholic Church after imitating a cross-body gesture that tech billionaire Elon Musk made at an event following President Trump's ...The Hill - 58m -
Live updates: Trump tariff threats materialize; Minnesota's Ken Martin to lead Democrats
President Trump is slated to make good on his campaign promise and enact steep tariffs on the country’s top three trading partners Saturday. For months, Trump has threatened Canada and Mexico with ...The Hill - 1h -
As DEI falters, Black Americans should revisit the vision of Marcus Garvey
Marcus Garvey ignited one of the most phenomenal social movements in modern history and was admired around the world. Yet few today understand his quest to promote the economic and cultural ...The Hill - 1h -
Ken Martin elected next DNC chair
Minnesota state party chair Ken Martin was elected on Saturday as the next leader of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) after securing more than 246 votes out of the 428 members who voted, ...The Hill - 1h
More in Politics
-
The Age of Fear: How fear is suffocating America
Fear is suffocating America, contributing to its spiritual and moral disintegration, and contributing to tribalism, where individuals are judged by their identity rather than their actions.The Hill - 48m -
Michigan priest has license revoked after imitating Musk's gesture at Pro-Life Summit
A Michigan priest had his license rescinded by the Anglican Catholic Church after imitating a cross-body gesture that tech billionaire Elon Musk made at an event following President Trump's ...The Hill - 58m -
Live updates: Trump tariff threats materialize; Minnesota's Ken Martin to lead Democrats
President Trump is slated to make good on his campaign promise and enact steep tariffs on the country’s top three trading partners Saturday. For months, Trump has threatened Canada and Mexico with ...The Hill - 1h -
Ken Martin elected next DNC chair
Minnesota state party chair Ken Martin was elected on Saturday as the next leader of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) after securing more than 246 votes out of the 428 members who voted, ...The Hill - 1h -
As DEI falters, Black Americans should revisit the vision of Marcus Garvey
Marcus Garvey ignited one of the most phenomenal social movements in modern history and was admired around the world. Yet few today understand his quest to promote the economic and cultural ...The Hill - 1h