Florida Spending on Restricted Technology

State Blog – Florida Is Leading The Fight Against Dangerous Chinese Technology, But Don’t Let Up

Overview:

Between 2015 and 2022, the state of Florida spent $29,149,590 on restricted Chinese technology from Lexmark, Inc. and Lenovo, Inc.

Florida is making progress:

In September 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 22-216 to counter Chinese government intrusion in Florida’s computer networks. The policy will help eradicate Florida taxpayer dollars being used to purchase dangerous Chinese technology for use in government departments and agencies like those detailed below.

The Problem

Technology products by Chinese government-owned technology manufacturers Lenovo and Lexmark have been banned by U.S. military and intelligence agencies due to their connection to the Chinese government and military, but are still being purchased by state government bodies. While federal policy directs information security at the federal level, states must determine their own security standards making states vulnerable to intrusion through the purchase of these risky Chinese technology products and services.

Download the Briefing Paper

The Solution

State lawmakers can enact laws and regulations to restrict contracts with Chinese-owned or operated tech manufactures.
As awareness grows among state lawmakers, there is a shift at the state level to take these threats more seriously. Some states, such as Georgia and Florida, already have laws or regulations to restrict contracts with Chinese-owned or operated tech manufactures that can serve as model policies, and nearly a dozen more states currently considering legislation.

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