Texas Bars State Employees from Using Shein, Alibaba, TP-Link Over Security Concerns

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced a ban preventing state employees from using hardware, software, and artificial intelligence products from several Chinese-linked companies, citing the need to safeguard Texans’ data privacy. The directive covers use on state-owned devices and networks and is aimed at limiting potential exposure to foreign government influence through technology platforms and equipment.

The list of restricted companies includes online retail giants Shein, Alibaba, and Temu, networking equipment maker TP-Link, battery manufacturer CATL, drone producer Autel, and artificial intelligence firm iFlyTek. According to the governor’s statement, the measure applies broadly to physical hardware, AI systems, and software associated with these firms, marking one of the most expansive state-level technology restrictions targeting Chinese-affiliated businesses.

The move reflects a wider trend of U.S. state governments imposing limits on Chinese-owned or China-based technology providers in the name of national and data security. While the Trump administration — which Abbott supports — has at times sought to ease tensions with Beijing following a recent trade and technology detente, state-level actions such as this continue to signal persistent concerns about cybersecurity risks and foreign access to sensitive government information.

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