Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry is ordering all public schools, universities, and state agencies from using certain artificial intelligence models to prevent spies from hostile foreign nations.
In an order signed Oct. 13, the governor banned all AI models with ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from use in state funded institutions.
While there are federal restrictions in place to regulate the use of CCP-affiliated AI, there is no federal ban, and most restrictions focus on export controls and investment in Chinese tech firms.
“This executive order puts America and Louisiana first. We will not let the Chinese Communist Party spy on our state or steal from our people,” said Gov. Landry in a statement. “As technology advances, so do the threats. This executive order ensures we are protecting our people, our data, and our national security from the CCP’s growing influence in AI.”
The order specifically prohibits models such as DeepSeek, citing espionage and propaganda threats posed by the AI.
So far, 11 other states have issued similar executive orders with many of those orders taking place earlier this year.
Beyond placing a ban on certain AI, the order also requires that “agency use of any AI source” must be approved by the state chief information officer or the agency head for those that don’t fall under the office of technology service, in order “to ensure it is secure and reliable.”
It further restricts all agencies from procuring a license for the use of AI before Dec. 15.
Agencies must in the meantime review current AI contracts and ensure that datasets don’t contain sensitive information and are accurate.
The other states with bans against DeepSeek and restrictions on AI include Texas, New York, Virginia, Iowa, North Carolina, South Dakota, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Nebraska, and Tennessee.