Momentum Builds Behind State Actions to Ban Risky Chinese Tech

This spring, Georgia enacted a law that prohibits companies owned or operated by China to bid on or submit a proposal for a state contract. Governor Brian Kemp signed the bill into law in May 2022, calling it “proactive step to enhance our technological and economic security.” The necessary and timely legislation is critical to helping Georgia close the state-federal tech threat disconnect. While the level of risk the use of China-owned technology presents to our national and economic security is so high that it is restricted by the U.S Military, the State Department, our intelligence agencies and elsewhere, these restrictions don’t transcend to the state level. With a March AP report revealing that the Chinese government broke into the computer networks… Read More

ALEC Passes Model Policy to Restrict State Contracts with Chinese Government-Owned Tech Companies

China Tech Threat co-Founder Dr. Roslyn Layton served as an expert advisor at the 49th Annual Meeting of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) in Atlanta this week, explaining to state lawmakers China’s strategy to infiltrate state governments through the purchase of risky technology embedded in state level networks.   Conference members considered and approved a model policy introduced by Georgia State Representative Martin Momtahan to help states restrict the purchase of risky technology. The model is based on a bill Rep. Momtahan led in Georgia and Governor Brian Kemp signed into law in May 2022. During his presentation, Rep. Momtahan emphasized China’s escalating strategy to target state lawmakers as part of its influence campaign. Legislators unanimously approved the legislation in both the International Relations and Commerce… Read More