Maryland

2024 State Momentum Update: February 7

Posted on by China Tech Threat
Since our last update on January 23, a number of states have added to the strong momentum with bills to prohibit the purchase of technology by companies owned or operated by the Chinese government. Below is the latest roundup of legislative activity by state lawmakers leading the fight to help protect residents, businesses, government offices, infrastructure, and personal and sensitive data from threats posed by the Chinese government. Utah (New): On January 26, 2024 Representative Candice Pierucci introduced the Public Entity Restrictions bill, HB 404. Among other things, it prohibits procurement of technology or technology services, networks, or systems from restricted foreign entities, including China.  Maryland (New): On February 2, 2024 Delegate Brian Chisolm introduced HB 894 which prohibits an… Read More

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

Posted on by China Tech Threat
Late last year, former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan issued a directive prohibiting the executive branch from using and downloading certain Chinese and Russian-influenced products and platforms due to cybersecurity risks they pose. Also presenting a cybersecurity risk is the more than $60,000 worth of risky Chinese technology purchased by the state in recent years.  China Tech Threat’s (CTT) research reveals that between 2019 and 2020, the state of Maryland spent $61,402 on dangerous technology manufactured by Lexmark, as detailed in our fact sheet. All purchases were by the Department of Health, putting Marylanders’ personal and confidential health data at risk of Chinese surveillance.  Lexmark, along with others, is already restricted by U.S. military and intelligence agencies due to its connections… Read More