Louisiana Banned Some Risky Tech But Dangerous China Tech Still Being Purchased

In 2020 and 2021, Louisiana policymakers passed two laws that banned all state government agencies and publicly funded educational institutions from buying information and communications technology and services covered under Section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act. Despite these commendable efforts, the state’s data is still vulnerable due to purchases of dangerous Chinese technology. Although minimal, the $41,241 Louisiana spent on technology from Lexmark and Lenovo between 2019 and 2023 opens the door to intrusion by the government of China. These manufacturers have already been restricted by U.S. military and intelligence agencies due to their connection to the Chinese government and military, yet Louisiana’s Office of the Attorney General and Office of Technology Services are among the agencies that… Read More