AUSTIN, Texas, Jan 27, 2026, 09:23 CST
- Texas expanded its banned technologies list with 26 more China-linked companies, restricting their use by state employees and on government devices.
- The broader ban now includes hardware, software, and AI tools from companies like Alibaba, PDD (owner of Temu), and Shein.
- Officials revealed that the Texas Cyber Command spearheaded the threat assessment driving the update.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has broadened the state’s banned technologies list—a roster of companies barred from government devices and networks—by including 26 new firms like Alibaba, Temu’s parent company PDD, Shein, and router manufacturer TP-Link, his office announced. The latest revision also covers AI-related products and various other software. (Texas)
The move comes as U.S. authorities and states ramp up restrictions on China-linked tech amid data security worries. Abbott said Texas is stepping in to safeguard the “privacy of Texans” from the Chinese government, Reuters reported. (Reuters)
Fox Business reported that the update covers 26 companies and entities, extending beyond just shopping apps to include Chinese electronics brands popular with U.S. consumers, such as Hisense, along with Alibaba and Temu’s parent company. (Fox Business)
“Rogue actors around the world who want to harm Texans must not be allowed to breach our state’s networks and devices,” Abbott declared.
He warned that hostile actors could exploit AI, along with other apps and hardware, to gather user data. He presented the move as a way to protect Texans from threats posed by the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party.
The update was created in collaboration with Texas Cyber Command Chief Vice Admiral T.J. White, who is a retired U.S. Navy officer. White described the mission as “protect Texans from hostile foreign nations and cyber threat actors.”
The list spans AI players like SenseTime, Megvii, and CloudWalk, alongside tech giants Baidu and Xiaomi. Battery manufacturer CATL and drone producer Autel are also included, as well as AI specialist iFlyTek. Electronics brands TCL and Uniview make the cut too, along with security screening equipment firm NucTech.
Requests for comment from the companies on the list went unanswered.
Texas took its initial step in 2022 by banning TikTok and other “covered applications” from state devices and networks. Two years later, in 2025, the state expanded these restrictions to include China-linked AI and social media apps, according to the Texas Department of Information Resources. The DIR’s guidelines do permit exceptions for law enforcement and select other uses but require approval from agency heads. (Texas)
Florida, Nebraska, and South Dakota have pushed similar bans on foreign-made apps and devices, StateScoop reported. Some of these measures mirror federal restrictions. The article also pointed to guidance in states like Indiana and Tennessee targeting procurement linked to foreign adversaries. (StateScoop)
Enforcement might get complicated. The list covers consumer routers, TVs, and other devices often buried deep within office setups. Plus, the rules allow for narrowly tailored exceptions.
Abbott has designated the Texas Cyber Command as the lead agency to pinpoint new technologies that could threaten state systems. His office said these latest measures come after a Cyber Command threat assessment.
