Texas Governor Greg Abbott has banned Chinese-linked websites and applications such as SHEIN, Temu, and Alibaba across all state networks and devices following a cybersecurity “threat assessment” by Texas Cyber Command. The prohibition, effective January 26, extends to state institutions including the University of Texas system, blocking access on university Wi-Fi. A state news release described the move as part of efforts to prevent “rogue actors” from the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party from exploiting Texans through data harvesting and artificial intelligence tools.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton supported the crackdown, highlighting ongoing investigations into SHEIN for alleged unethical labor practices and unsafe consumer products. SHEIN, long criticized for its “fast fashion” business model and environmental impact, admitted in a 2023 sustainability report to uncovering child labor violations and rising carbon emissions.
Students and environmental advocates have applauded the ban as a step toward ethical and sustainable fashion consumption. Some, like UT freshman Isabella Botero, emphasized the importance of personal responsibility—urging peers to embrace reusing, repairing, and mindful shopping as alternatives to fueling exploitative industries.
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