Texas bans Chinese AI app DeepSeek over security concerns

Texas has become the first U.S. state to ban the Chinese AI app DeepSeek, along with other apps like RedNote and Lemon8, on government-issued devices. This decision follows concerns about data harvesting and potential security threats. Governor Greg Abbott cited the need to protect Texas from foreign espionage, specifically from the Chinese Communist Party. The ban reflects growing bipartisan worries about the influence of Chinese technology on U.S. digital infrastructure. DeepSeek's rapid rise in popularity has raised alarms among cybersecurity experts, who have criticized its vulnerabilities. This action aligns with broader national concerns regarding Chinese-owned apps, particularly in light of ongoing debates about TikTok.