Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a directive to ban the artificial intelligence tools DeepSeek and RedNoteAI from state-issued devices and networks, citing potential security risks from Chinese-owned technology. The order requires all state agencies to implement policies prohibiting the use of these AI platforms, along with establishing network-based restrictions to block access to them. The governor’s office expressed concerns about these AI tools potentially collecting sensitive government data and sharing it with foreign entities, particularly China. This move follows similar actions taken against TikTok and other Chinese-owned applications on state devices. The directive specifically highlights DeepSeek’s connections to Chinese investors and employees, as well as RedNoteAI’s ties to Chinese technology companies. State agencies are required to maintain an inventory of banned AI technologies and implement the new restrictions by February 15, 2024. The ban reflects growing concerns about data security and foreign influence in government operations, particularly regarding AI technologies developed by or connected to foreign entities. This action aligns with broader national security measures being implemented across various states to protect sensitive government information from potential foreign surveillance or data collection through technology platforms.