Texas Bans Chinese AI Like DeepSeek and Social Apps Over Security Risks

Governor Greg Abbott has issued a ban on Chinese AI and social media apps, including DeepSeek, citing cybersecurity risks and potential threats to state infrastructure.

Texas has formally barred several China-linked artificial intelligence and social media platforms from government-issued devices, adding DeepSeek, RedNote, and Lemon8 to its growing list of prohibited applications.

Governor Greg Abbott signed the directive on January 31, citing cybersecurity risks, concerns over data privacy, and potential foreign influence.

The move follows similar bans on TikTok and other Chinese-owned applications at both state and federal levels, underscoring the broader U.S. effort to limit exposure to foreign AI systems that could compromise sensitive information. Texas’ order aligns with its previous decisions to mandate divestment from China in state agencies and strengthen digital security policies.

“Texas will not allow the Chinese Communist Party to infiltrate our state’s critical infrastructure through data-harvesting AI and social media apps,” Abbott declared in his official statement. “To achieve that mission, I ordered Texas state agencies to ban Chinese government-based AI and social media apps from all state-issued devices.”

Security and Surveillance Concerns

Among the newly banned applications, DeepSeek has drawn particular scrutiny due to its AI capabilities and rapid adoption. The chatbot recently overtook ChatGPT as the most downloaded AI app in the App Store, attracting widespread attention. However, cybersecurity researchers have raised alarms about its vulnerabilities.

According to a study by Cisco and the University of Pennsylvania, DeepSeek’s content moderation and security filters failed 100% of jailbreak tests, allowing it to generate restricted or harmful content without resistance.

Another major concern is RedNote, a social media platform with features similar to Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book). Texas officials cited data privacy risks and the app’s potential for foreign influence as reasons for the ban.

The app gained popularity following the Supreme Court ruling that upheld the U.S. government’s push to force ByteDance to divest TikTok. Lemon8, another ByteDance subsidiary, was also included in the Texas ban due to similar concerns regarding data access by Chinese authorities.

DeepSeek’s R1 model has positioned itself as a cost-effective alternative to OpenAI’s products, boasting advanced reasoning capabilities at a fraction of the cost. However, the AI model has faced severe criticism for both security vulnerabilities and its failure to provide reliable information. A recent AI audit revealed that DeepSeek failed accuracy tests in 83% of cases, frequently producing misinformation and political bias.

Government Response and National Security Implications

The Texas ban is part of a larger national effort to scrutinize AI and social media platforms that may pose security risks. The U.S. Navy recently banned the use of DeepSeek on its networks, citing concerns about potential foreign intelligence access. The move follows broader discussions among U.S. policymakers about restricting AI applications that originate from China.

Governor Abbott’s directive builds on previous measures aimed at limiting foreign technology exposure in government agencies.

Two months prior, Texas authorities announced a divestment strategy that directed state institutions to reduce reliance on Chinese technology and infrastructure. The latest ban expands on that policy by explicitly targeting applications deemed to pose cybersecurity threats.

Texas’ decision also coincides with ongoing investigations into DeepSeek’s compliance with international data protection regulations. The Italian government has opened an inquiry into whether DeepSeek is violating the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). If found in breach, the AI firm could face heavy fines or restrictions on operating within the EU.

DeepSeek’s Alleged Data Collection Practices

Concerns over DeepSeek extend beyond its security flaws. Reports have surfaced suggesting that the AI company may have improperly accessed proprietary data from Western firms.

Microsoft and OpenAI have launched an internal investigation into whether DeepSeek misused OpenAI’s API data to train its models. According to Bloomberg, suspicious API traffic linked to China was detected, raising concerns about unauthorized data scraping.

The controversy has led to speculation about how DeepSeek developed its AI so rapidly while operating with significantly lower costs than its competitors. AI industry analysts have pointed to possible hidden data sources or alternative training methods that may not comply with ethical AI development standards. If confirmed, these findings could have implications for AI security policies worldwide.

Microsoft’s Collaboration and Growing Criticism

Despite these concerns, DeepSeek has secured a major U.S. technology partner. Microsoft has integrated the R1 model into Azure AI Foundry, making it available to developers. The move has sparked criticism from security experts who warn that integrating DeepSeek into Western AI infrastructure could introduce cybersecurity risks.

Microsoft has insisted that all AI models added to Azure undergo rigorous compliance checks. However, the company’s collaboration with DeepSeek raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, given that Microsoft is also a key investor in OpenAI. If DeepSeek is found to have used unauthorized OpenAI data, Microsoft could find itself in a difficult position managing both partnerships.

Regulatory Challenges and Future AI Security Policies

Texas’ ban on DeepSeek and RedNote underscores a larger shift in AI regulation, as governments look to mitigate potential national security risks posed by foreign-developed models. In Washington, policymakers are debating whether to introduce further restrictions on AI platforms linked to China.

Some lawmakers have proposed legislation that would require American companies to conduct stricter compliance reviews before integrating foreign AI systems into their services.

Europe is also closely monitoring developments in the U.S. The GDPR investigation into DeepSeek could set a precedent for how AI companies handle data privacy regulations in global markets. If European regulators determine that DeepSeek has improperly transferred user data outside the EU, stricter policies for AI oversight may follow.

As regulatory scrutiny grows, AI firms operating across borders may be forced to adopt more transparent policies regarding data sourcing, content moderation, and security measures. However, the challenge remains in enforcing these regulations without stifling technological innovation.

The Growing Competition in AI

DeepSeek’s rise in the AI sector has not gone unnoticed by its competitors. In response to its rapid success, OpenAI has introduced the o3-mini model, a lightweight AI designed to provide cost-effective reasoning capabilities. The move signals OpenAI’s intent to maintain its lead in the generative AI market by offering more accessible alternatives.

The rivalry between AI providers highlights a broader trend: the push for dominance in artificial intelligence is no longer just about innovation—it is also about regulation, security, and trust. Governments and corporations alike are now weighing the risks of AI adoption alongside its benefits.

For users, the DeepSeek controversy raises important questions about the future of AI accessibility. While its affordability and functionality have driven widespread adoption, concerns over its security flaws, data integrity, and regulatory standing remain unresolved.

Markus Kasanmascheff
Markus Kasanmascheff
Markus has been covering the tech industry for more than 15 years. He is holding a Master´s degree in International Economics and is the founder and managing editor of Winbuzzer.com.

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