Gov. Pillen prohibits state use of Chinese-made devices, services

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen is taking a hardline stance against Chinese technology in the state.

Pillen announced a ban on all state use of Chinese-manufactured communication devices and services on Thursday.

The executive order will prohibit state employees and contractors from using devices manufactured by Huawei Technology, ZTE Corporation, Hytera Communications, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology and Dahua Technology.

The ban also includes all subsidiaries and other entities affiliated with these companies.

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“This executive order will keep the Chinese Communist Party from using technology to infiltrate and influence our state’s infrastructure,” Pillen said in a press release. “I will continue to find opportunities to improve Nebraska’s infrastructure and technology grid while remaining vigilant in protecting our state’s security.”

Pillen alleges that these companies are owned or controlled by the Chinese Communist Party and should be considered a risk to national security.

In 2019, Congress passed the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, which designates multiple Chinese companies as risks.