Texas has taken a significant step in the ongoing battle over national security by becoming the first state in the United States to ban the Chinese-owned AI application, DeepSeek. Governor Greg Abbott signed an executive order prohibiting the use of DeepSeek on all state-issued devices, citing escalating concerns about the potential for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to access sensitive data. This ban positions Texas at the forefront of a global movement against the app, which has raised alarms due to its data storage practices and its connections to the Chinese government.
Governor Abbott’s Rationale for the Ban
In his announcement, Governor Abbott emphasized the need to protect Texas from foreign threats, stating, “Texas will not allow the Chinese Communist Party to infiltrate our state’s critical infrastructure through data-harvesting AI and social media apps.” He highlighted that state agencies and employees who handle critical infrastructure, intellectual property, and personal information must be shielded from “malicious espionage operations” orchestrated by the Chinese government. This proactive measure reflects a growing sentiment among U.S. lawmakers and officials regarding the risks posed by foreign technology.
DeepSeek’s Global Rise and Security Concerns
DeepSeek, a Chinese-developed artificial intelligence application, has garnered significant attention for its ability to outperform competitors like OpenAI at a fraction of the cost. However, its rapid rise has been overshadowed by serious concerns regarding data security. Reports indicate that the app stores user data on servers located in China, raising fears that Chinese authorities could access this information under local laws that require companies to share data with the government upon request.
The U.S. Navy has already banned DeepSeek, with NASA and other government agencies following suit. The app is also prohibited on U.S. military devices and is under intense scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators. Governor Abbott’s decision aligns with a broader trend in the United States, where concerns about user privacy and national security are prompting action against Chinese apps like DeepSeek.
Elon Musk’s Influence in Texas
The timing of the DeepSeek ban is particularly noteworthy as Texas has become a burgeoning hub for technology, especially with the presence of Elon Musk‘s companies. Musk’s SpaceX and his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), have established their headquarters in Texas after relocating from California in 2023. Musk’s move was partly a response to a controversial California law requiring teachers to notify parents if their child changed their name or gender identity at school. His outspoken views on this issue further solidified his decision to shift his companies to Texas.
Musk’s relocation has been framed as part of a broader appeal that Texas holds for tech companies and innovators. With SpaceX’s headquarters in the state and Musk’s growing influence, Texas is increasingly recognized as a center for technological advancement. However, the DeepSeek ban also underscores a rising unease about foreign tech companies potentially compromising national security.
Global Scrutiny of DeepSeek
The scrutiny surrounding DeepSeek is not confined to the United States. Countries like Italy, Taiwan, and Australia have also taken action against the app, citing national security concerns. Italy’s Data Protection Authority has ordered a nationwide ban on DeepSeek, preventing it from being downloaded from major app stores. Additionally, the Italian regulator has initiated an investigation into the app’s compliance with European data protection laws.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs has similarly banned DeepSeek from government agencies and urged companies involved in critical infrastructure to take similar measures. Australia imposed its own ban on February 4, 2025, with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stating that the app poses a significant national security risk.
This rising global backlash against DeepSeek reflects a broader trend of governments and security experts taking a stand against Chinese tech companies and their potential influence over global data. As more countries join the list of those investigating or imposing restrictions on DeepSeek, the app’s future remains uncertain.
US Legislation on Chinese AI Apps
In light of these growing concerns, U.S. lawmakers are considering tougher measures to restrict the use of DeepSeek and other Chinese-developed technologies. Republican Senator Josh Hawley has introduced a bill that would impose severe penalties for using AI products developed in China. While the bill does not specifically mention DeepSeek, it proposes fines of up to $1 million for individuals and up to $100 million for businesses found in violation. The legislation also includes the possibility of jail sentences of up to 20 years for individuals caught advancing AI capabilities in China.
Security experts have warned that DeepSeek’s data storage policies could expose businesses and governments to significant risks. Bill Conner, CEO of automation firm Jitterbit and a former U.S. security advisor, stated, “DeepSeek represents a clear risk for any enterprise whose leadership values data privacy, security, and transparency.” He further noted that the app’s shared cloud service model, with data stored in China, introduces “unknown risks to data privacy, compliance mandates, and security controls.”
