Maryland Spending on Restricted Technology

State Blog – Chinese Technology Puts Maryland’s Data At Risk Of Chinese Surveillance And Collection

Download the Maryland
Fact Sheet

Overview:

Between 2019 and 2020, the state of Maryland spent $61,402 on restricted Chinese technology from Lexmark, Inc. All purchases were made by the Maryland Department of Health.

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.

Learn More