Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a statewide ban preventing government employees from using products and services made by several Chinese companies, citing concerns over data privacy and national security.
In a statement issued on Monday, Abbott said the move is aimed at protecting the “privacy of Texans” from potential access by the Chinese government. The ban applies to the use of devices, software, artificial intelligence tools, and digital services produced by the targeted firms on all state-owned networks and equipment.
According to the governor’s office, the blacklist includes major Chinese-linked brands such as fast-fashion retailer Shein, e-commerce giants Alibaba and Temu, networking equipment maker TP-Link, and battery manufacturer CATL, Reuters reported. The restrictions also extend to Chinese drone producer Autel and artificial intelligence company iFlytek.
The decision places Texas among a growing number of US states and federal agencies tightening controls on technology and consumer platforms tied to China, amid longstanding concerns over data collection, surveillance risks, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
The announcement comes despite a tentative easing of tensions between Washington and Beijing. In October, the United States and China reached a limited breakthrough in their prolonged trade and technology dispute. However, US officials at both state and federal levels continue to take a hard line on technology deemed sensitive to national security.
The Texas ban underscores how data privacy and geopolitical rivalry remain central issues in US-China relations, even as both sides seek to stabilize economic ties.
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