Grok 3 Deep Research versus OpenAI 4o Deep Research: TEXAS PROHIBITED TECHNOLOGIES

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Quick and dirty comparison on this prompt

I work in Texas Government. What are prohibited IT and other technologies that Texas has prohibited us from use. Examples include TikTok and DJI Drones


Both start with reasoning and expose the rationale step by step.  It's very interesting to see the logic being broadcast with the associated steps. 

Grok 3 Open AI
Grok shows 33 sources.
         Open AI shows 21 Sources.

Comparison of Summaries in Grok 3 and OpenAI

Grok 3


Prohibited IT and Technologies in Texas Government

As an employee in Texas Government, you are subject to strict prohibitions on certain IT and technologies to safeguard state information and infrastructure. Below is the detailed list of prohibited technologies, as maintained by the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR), last updated January 31, 2025:


Category

Prohibited Entities/Applications

Prohibited Software/Applications/Developers

Alipay, ByteDance Ltd., CamScanner, DeepSeek, Kaspersky Security & VPN, Lemon8, Moomoo, QQ Wallet, RedNote, SHAREit, Tencent Holdings Ltd., Tiger Brokers, TikTok, VMate, WeBull, WeChat, WeChat Pay, WPS Office, Any subsidiary or affiliate

Prohibited Hardware/Equipment/Manufacturers

Dahua Technology Company, Huawei Technologies Company, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company, Hytera Communications Corporation, SZ DJI Technology Company, ZTE Corporation, Any subsidiary or affiliate

Covered Applications

Lemon8, RedNote, TikTok or any successor application or service by ByteDance Ltd. or its entities


For the latest updates, check the DIR's official page: Covered Applications and Prohibited Technologies.


Key Points

  • Scope: The ban includes software like TikTok and hardware like DJI drones, reflecting concerns over foreign-linked security risks, particularly from China.

  • Authority: Initiated by Governor Greg Abbott in December 2022 and codified by Senate Bill 1893 (effective June 14, 2023) under Texas Government Code Chapter 620.

  • Exceptions: Limited to law enforcement, public safety, or security development, requiring agency head approval and DIR reporting.


Narrative Overview

Background and Legal Framework

The Texas Government’s prohibition on certain IT and technologies stems from a December 7, 2022, directive by Governor Greg Abbott, banning TikTok on state devices due to potential surveillance risks from the Chinese Communist Party. This was formalized by the 88th Texas Legislature through Senate Bill 1893, creating Texas Government Code Chapter 620 (Texas Government Code Chapter 620). The law targets "Covered Applications" and other technologies posing risks to sensitive data and critical infrastructure, delegating the DIR and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to maintain and update the prohibited list.

Implementation Across Agencies

State agencies, including higher education institutions, must enforce these prohibitions on state-owned devices and networks. Policies from entities like the University of Texas System and Texas State University align with DIR’s list, blocking access and removing prohibited technologies (Technologies Prohibited by Regulation). This extends to personal devices used for state business, especially in sensitive areas like SCIFs. Agencies employ technical controls—firewalls, app store restrictions, and remote wiping—to ensure compliance, guided by a DIR-DPS model plan from February 6, 2023.

Exceptions and Compliance

Exceptions are narrowly defined: agency heads may authorize use for law enforcement investigations, public safety, or security measures, with mandatory reporting to DIR. Covered Applications, like TikTok and its successors, face even stricter controls, limited to law enforcement or security purposes only (Standards for Technologies Prohibited by Regulation). The DIR annually reviews the list, submitting updates to the Governor, who can proclaim additional prohibitions as threats evolve.

Beyond Social Media: A Broad Approach

Notably, the ban isn’t limited to social media. It encompasses hardware manufacturers like SZ DJI Technology Company (DJI drones) and Huawei, highlighting supply chain and infrastructure security concerns. This broad scope, covering both software and hardware, reflects a comprehensive strategy to counter risks from foreign entities, as seen with inclusions like Hikvision and ZTE.

Verification Process

This information was compiled by reviewing the DIR’s official list, cross-referenced with agency documents like TxDOT’s cybersecurity PDF (Prohibited Technologies List) and university policies. Web searches for "Texas prohibited technologies" and "Texas Government Code Chapter 620" ensured accuracy, with all sources current as of February 20, 2025.


Conclusion

The table above provides your go-to reference for prohibited technologies in Texas Government, from TikTok to DJI drones and beyond. Backed by state law and DIR oversight, these restrictions aim to protect Texas from security threats, with ongoing updates to keep pace with emerging risks. For the most current details or to request exceptions, consult your agency head and the DIR’s resources.


Key Citations



OpenAI


Prohibited Technologies in Texas State Government

Texas has instituted broad restrictions on the use of certain technologies across state government agencies. These bans target software, applications, and hardware linked to foreign adversaries (primarily China, and also Russia) due to cybersecurity, espionage, and privacy concerns. Below is a comprehensive list of the prohibited technologies, the legal or executive actions behind these bans, the reasons cited for their prohibition, and how these rules are enforced.

Banned Software and Applications

Chinese-Owned Social Media Apps (e.g. TikTok): In December 2022, Governor Greg Abbott ordered all Texas state agencies to ban the TikTok app from any government-issued devices (Governor Abbott Orders Aggressive Action Against TikTok | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott). This was driven by fears that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) could exploit TikTok to access sensitive data or surveil Texans (Governor Abbott Orders Aggressive Action Against TikTok | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott). TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, was found to harvest vast amounts of user data and could be compelled to share it with the CCP under Chinese law (Governor Abbott Orders Aggressive Action Against TikTok | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott). In 2023, the Texas Legislature solidified this ban via Senate Bill 1893, which prohibits TikTok (and any successor app by ByteDance) on all state and local government devices (Covered Applications and Prohibited Technologies | Texas Department of Information Resources) (Governor Abbott Announces Ban On Chinese AI, Social Media Apps | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott). The law also empowers the governor to extend the ban to other risky social media services by proclamation (88(R) SB 1893 - Enrolled version) (88(R) SB 1893 - Enrolled version). As a result, TikTok and any similar applications identified as security threats are disallowed on all devices owned or leased by Texas government entities (88(R) SB 1893 - Enrolled version) (88(R) SB 1893 - Enrolled version).


Other Foreign-Owned Apps and Software: Texas maintains a “Prohibited Technologies” list of software and developers that state agencies must avoid. This list (maintained by the Department of Information Resources, DIR) includes numerous Chinese applications and a Russian cybersecurity tool, reflecting concerns about data security and foreign espionage. Key examples from the list (updated Jan. 31, 2025) include (Covered Applications and Prohibited Technologies | Texas Department of Information Resources):



All the above software/applications are forbidden from being installed or used on state-owned devices and networks in Texas (Covered Applications and Prohibited Technologies | Texas Department of Information Resources) (Covered Applications and Prohibited Technologies | Texas Department of Information Resources). State agencies have implemented network filters and device management to block these apps – for example, TikTok traffic was blacklisted and the app forcibly removed from agency-issued phones and computers ( Article - Compliance - State of Texas... ). The only exceptions are for legitimate law enforcement or security research purposes, which require approval by the agency head and reporting to DIR (Covered Applications and Prohibited Technologies | Texas Department of Information Resources).

Ban on Chinese AI Applications

Texas has extended its IT bans to include emerging AI-based tools linked to foreign adversaries. In January 2025, Governor Abbott issued a proclamation prohibiting any artificial intelligence applications affiliated with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on state devices (Governor Abbott Announces Ban On Chinese AI, Social Media Apps | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott). This made Texas the first state to explicitly block Chinese AI apps. The prime target was DeepSeek – a Chinese generative AI chatbot that had rapidly gained popularity – over worries it could harvest user data or censor information at the CCP’s behest (In first for states, Texas bans DeepSeek, RedNote apps from government-issued devices | StateScoop) (In first for states, Texas bans DeepSeek, RedNote apps from government-issued devices | StateScoop). Abbott warned that Texas “will not allow the Chinese Communist Party to infiltrate our state’s critical infrastructure through data-harvesting AI and social media apps” (Governor Abbott Announces Ban On Chinese AI, Social Media Apps | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott).


Under this 2025 ban, several Chinese AI or content apps were added to the prohibited list alongside DeepSeek. These include the RedNote social platform and the financial apps Webull, Tiger Brokers, Moomoo, as noted above (Governor Abbott Announces Ban On Chinese AI, Social Media Apps | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott). They are now treated as “covered applications” similar to TikTok, meaning state employees and contractors are forbidden from downloading or using them on any government-issued device (or even personal devices used for state work) (Governor Abbott Announces Ban On Chinese AI, Social Media Apps | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott) (Covered Applications and Prohibited Technologies | Texas Department of Information Resources). The rationale is the same: to block channels through which a hostile foreign government could siphon data or conduct espionage operations. Notably, the Texas Attorney General’s office has also scrutinized DeepSeek under the state’s data privacy laws, indicating heightened concern at multiple levels of government about foreign AI tools’ access to Texans’ data (Attorney General Paxton Launches Investigation Into Chinese AI App).

Prohibited Hardware and Equipment

Texas state agencies are similarly barred from using or purchasing certain hardware and technology equipment from companies associated with foreign adversaries. The Prohibited Technologies list maintained by DIR also enumerates banned manufacturers (last updated Jan. 31, 2025) (Covered Applications and Prohibited Technologies | Texas Department of Information Resources):



  • Surveillance and Security Cameras: Hangzhou Hikvision and Dahua Technology – major Chinese manufacturers of security cameras and surveillance systems – are banned from Texas government use (Covered Applications and Prohibited Technologies | Texas Department of Information Resources). These devices pose a risk that video feeds or sensitive footage could be transmitted to, or accessed by, their nation of origin’s government. The ban aligns with federal restrictions that have placed Hikvision and Dahua on the FCC’s covered list of communications equipment threatening national security. Texas agencies must remove and avoid these brands in state offices or facilities to protect privacy and security.



Legal and Executive Actions Underpinning the Bans

Multiple Texas statutes and executive orders form the basis of these technology prohibitions:





  • Senate Bill 1893 (2023) – Social Media Ban: Enacted by the 88th Legislature, SB 1893 wrote the TikTok ban into state law and expanded it. Now codified as Government Code Chapter 620, it requires every Texas state agency, as well as local governments and public universities, to ban the installation or use of TikTok on any government-owned device (88(R) SB 1893 - Enrolled version) (88(R) SB 1893 - Enrolled version). It also allows the Governor to name additional apps or services that pose a similar security risk by proclamation (88(R) SB 1893 - Enrolled version) (88(R) SB 1893 - Enrolled version). This mechanism was used by Governor Abbott to add apps like Lemon8 and RedNote as “covered applications” in 2023–2024. SB 1893 ensured the TikTok prohibition wasn’t just an executive order but a lasting statutory mandate. Agencies were directed to adopt compliance policies (by February 2023, immediately upon the law’s passage) and follow the DIR/DPS model plan for enforcement (88(R) SB 1893 - Enrolled version) (88(R) SB 1893 - Enrolled version).



  • Other Related Measures: Texas leaders have also taken complementary steps, such as Abbott’s directive for state agencies to divest from China (e.g. not hold investments or contracts linked to the PRC) (Governor Abbott Announces Ban On Chinese AI, Social Media Apps | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott). While not a technology ban per se, this underscores the broader policy of treating China as a strategic threat in state government dealings. Additionally, Texas has cooperated with federal authorities on cybersecurity initiatives; for example, DPS and Texas agencies work with federal guidance (like CISA alerts) to mitigate risks from Chinese drones and equipment (Texas Police DJI Drones - DRONELIFE) (Texas Police DJI Drones - DRONELIFE). The Texas legislature continues to explore new laws to address foreign tech threats (as seen with drone restrictions, data privacy laws, etc.), indicating that this list of banned technologies may expand in coming years as needed to protect state interests.

Reasons for the Prohibitions

Cybersecurity and Espionage Risks: The overriding reason for these bans is to guard against foreign espionage and cyber threats. Texas officials cite the “growing threat of the Chinese Communist Party gaining access to critical U.S. information and infrastructure” through seemingly innocuous apps and devices (Governor Abbott Orders Aggressive Action Against TikTok | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott) (Governor Abbott Orders Aggressive Action Against TikTok | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott). Apps like TikTok, WeChat, and DeepSeek gather extensive user data (contacts, location, messages, etc.), which could be mined by foreign intelligence or used to influence users with propaganda. Under China’s laws, companies must cooperate with state security agencies (Governor Abbott Orders Aggressive Action Against TikTok | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott), meaning any data a Chinese company holds (even on Americans) can be requisitioned by the CCP. This creates an unacceptable risk for government devices that may contain sensitive information. Likewise, Chinese-made hardware integrated into networks (routers, cameras, drones) could secretly transmit data back to China or be remotely manipulated during a conflict or crisis (Report: Chinese Drones Threaten Texas - Texas Scorecard). By banning these, Texas aims to “harden state systems and safeguard critical infrastructure, intellectual property, and personal information” from hostile foreign access (Governor Abbott Announces Ban On Chinese AI, Social Media Apps | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott).


Privacy and Data Protection: Even aside from overt espionage, many banned apps were deemed to violate privacy norms. For example, TikTok’s extensive tracking of user behavior and Kaspersky’s deep access to computer systems pose privacy and data security risks. The Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (2023) and other state privacy initiatives reflect a growing concern that foreign-operated tech could abuse Texans’ personal data. The bans are thus a preventive measure – to stop state-run networks from even incidentally contributing to foreign data hoards. Officials also noted instances of censorship and influence operations: TikTok’s algorithm has censored topics sensitive to Beijing (e.g. Tiananmen Square) (Governor Abbott Orders Aggressive Action Against TikTok | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott), and apps like RedNote could be used to subtly shape public opinion. Banning them on government devices helps ensure that state business is conducted on technology free from foreign manipulation or surveillance.


Protecting Critical Infrastructure: The inclusion of hardware like telecom gear and drones is directly tied to protecting physical and digital infrastructure. Texas has a large energy grid and numerous critical installations. A compromised Huawei router or a DJI drone with a firmware backdoor could jeopardize power stations, emergency response, or law enforcement operations. Testimony to Texas lawmakers highlighted that Chinese dominance in certain tech sectors (like drones) is a strategic vulnerability, as it “poses both economic and security threats to the U.S. economy and critical infrastructure” (Report: Chinese Drones Threaten Texas - Texas Scorecard). By eliminating equipment from companies under foreign government control, Texas reduces the attack surface for any nation-state adversary trying to disrupt or surveil its critical systems.


In summary, the prohibited technologies are all banned “because of the threat of nation state actors gaining access to critical…information” or systems in Texas ( Article - Compliance - State of Texas... ). Each ban is a defensive response, whether to specific incidents (e.g. revelation of TikTok’s data practices) or to strategic assessments (e.g. federal warnings about Huawei). Governor Abbott’s statements make clear that these moves are about preventing “malicious espionage operations” by countries like China and protecting Texans’ data (Governor Abbott Announces Ban On Chinese AI, Social Media Apps | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott).

Enforcement Measures and Penalties

Texas has put in place robust enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with these technology bans:




  • Exceptions Process: The rules do allow narrow exceptions, primarily for law enforcement, intelligence, or cybersecurity research needs. An agency head (e.g. a department director or college president) can approve use of a banned app/device only to the extent necessary for activities like criminal investigations or penetration testing (Covered Applications and Prohibited Technologies | Texas Department of Information Resources). For instance, DPS cyber investigators could use a controlled TikTok account to track illicit activity, or a security team might examine a Huawei device for vulnerabilities – but these must be explicitly cleared at the top level. Crucially, this approval authority may not be delegated (Covered Applications and Prohibited Technologies | Texas Department of Information Resources), and any exception granted must be reported to DIR’s security team. This accountability discourages abuse of the exception and keeps a statewide record of any prohibited tech in temporary use.


  • Procurement and Contract Sanctions: On the hardware side, Texas procurement law backs the bans with the force of contract penalties. Under SB 2116 (2021), any contract made in violation of the foreign tech ban (e.g. if a state agency inadvertently signed a deal with a China-based company for network services) would be unlawful. The law bars such agreements outright (Bill Text: TX SB2116 | 2021-2022 | 87th Legislature | Enrolled | LegiScan), effectively meaning they cannot be executed or enforced. Vendors must certify they are not owned or controlled by a prohibited country when bidding on state contracts, or they risk being disqualified. The Texas Comptroller and DIR can exclude vendors that violate these provisions from future business. While SB 2116 doesn’t list criminal penalties, it uses the threat of contract nullification and the state’s purchasing power to ensure no banned companies’ products enter Texas infrastructure. Similarly, SB 1893 empowers oversight bodies to ensure agencies comply with the device/app ban – a governmental entity that failed to adopt the required policy or allowed banned apps could face administrative consequences, such as loss of cybersecurity insurance coverage or audit findings. In practice, agencies appear to be adhering strictly, given the high stakes of security incidents.


  • Employee Consequences: State employees are subject to their agency’s information security policies, which now incorporate these bans. Using a prohibited app or device for state work is typically a violation of acceptable use policy. While specific penalties vary by agency, an employee caught installing banned software on a work device or connecting a forbidden device to the network could face disciplinary action. This might range from a formal reprimand and forced removal of the app to termination in severe cases (for knowingly jeopardizing state security). The strong language from Texas leadership – framing these technologies as threats – signals that violations are taken seriously. Agencies also require cybersecurity training for staff, which includes guidance on not using unauthorized apps and recognizing the risks involved.


  • Inter-agency Enforcement and Audits: The Texas DIR and DPS have oversight roles. DIR’s Statewide Security Plan for Prohibited Technologies outlines objectives each agency must meet to safeguard against banned tech (Covered Applications and Prohibited Technologies | Texas Department of Information Resources). This can include periodic audits or scans of devices to ensure compliance (e.g. checking that TikTok isn’t installed, or that no network traffic is reaching Kaspersky servers). The State Auditor’s Office can also audit compliance as part of overall IT security audits of agencies. Should an agency be found non-compliant, it would likely be required to remediate immediately, and leadership (up to the Governor’s office) would be notified. There’s also a reputational penalty – any lapse that becomes public (for example, a news report finds a state employee still using TikTok) would draw scrutiny and prompt swift corrective action.


In conclusion, Texas has taken an aggressive stance by banning a wide array of technologies deemed to pose security risks. These include popular apps (TikTok, WeChat, DeepSeek), financial and productivity software (Alipay, WPS Office, etc.), and critical hardware (Huawei routers, DJI drones, and more). The bans are backed by state law and gubernatorial orders (Governor Abbott Announces Ban On Chinese AI, Social Media Apps | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott) (Bill Text: TX SB2116 | 2021-2022 | 87th Legislature | Enrolled | LegiScan), and they are justified by concerns over foreign surveillance and data theft. The state enforces the rules through comprehensive policies, technical controls, and oversight mechanisms, with only minimal exceptions allowed (Covered Applications and Prohibited Technologies | Texas Department of Information Resources). By implementing these measures, Texas aims to protect state government operations – and Texan citizens’ data – from infiltration by hostile foreign organizations (Governor Abbott Announces Ban On Chinese AI, Social Media Apps | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott) (Governor Abbott Orders Aggressive Action Against TikTok | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott).


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