WGME recently reported that Governor Sununu banned the use of TikTok and popular messaging applications from all computer devices controlled by their state governments, saying “the Chinese government may be able to access users’ personal information.” New Hampshire can take additional steps to protect the Granite State by banning state contracts with risky Chinese technology from Lexmark and Lenovo, on which it has spent more than $200,000.
China Tech Threat discovered in recent research that between 2017 and 2023, New Hampshire has purchased $204,765 of these dangerous technologies from Lexmark and Lenovo. Our fact sheet reveals that the technology has been used in the Legislative Branch, the Judicial Branch, and the Treasury Department. New Hampshire’s sensitive legislative, judicial and treasury information are left vulnerable to security leaks by this risky technology already restricted by US military and intelligence agencies (Read more about Lexmark and Lenovo in our February briefing paper.)
Representative Terry Roy introduced HB 86 in an attempt to keep the momentum pushing forward in ending Chinese security threats. This bill prohibits the state from entering contracts with Chinese government owned or affiliated tech manufacturers. Representative Roy follows recent efforts by other states, such as Idaho and South Dakota to stop these security threats for the safety and security of their states’ people. The New Hampshire legislature needs to follow in the footsteps of these two states where bills became law, ensuring the protection of the data of the state of New Hampshire.