Author: Gist Newspaper

The government of Texas has banned online platforms linked to China, including SHEIN, Temu and Alibaba, from all state-owned networks and devices.

The directive, announced in a January 26 news release, was approved by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and applies to state agencies, offices and public institutions. A spokesperson for the University of Texas confirmed that the ban also extends to university Wi-Fi and devices.

According to the release, the affected websites were added to Texas’ Covered Applications and Prohibited Technologies list following a threat assessment conducted by Texas Cyber Command, the state’s cybersecurity agency established by the legislature in June 2025.

The assessment focused on physical hardware, artificial intelligence and software affiliated with the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party, which the state said pose potential risks to data security.

“Rogue actors across the globe who wish harm on Texans should not be allowed to infiltrate our state’s networks and devices,” Abbott said. He warned that hostile actors could exploit AI-powered applications and hardware to harvest user data and compromise privacy.

SHEIN, an online fashion retailer that originated in China, has faced sustained criticism in the United States over its business practices. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has previously described the company as part of the “fast fashion” industry — a term used for the rapid mass production of low-cost, trend-driven clothing.

Paxton last year launched an investigation into SHEIN over allegations of unethical labour practices and product safety concerns.

“Any company that cuts corners on labour standards or product safety, especially those operating in foreign nations like China, will be held accountable,” Paxton said in an earlier statement, adding that Texans deserve transparency and protection from harmful or exploitative products.

In a 2023 sustainability and social impact report, SHEIN acknowledged uncovering two cases of child labour within its supply chain, which it said were addressed. The company also reported a sharp increase in its carbon emissions between 2022 and 2023.

Reacting to the ban, University of Texas chemical engineering freshman Isabella Botero said she supports the restriction on state devices, citing environmental and ethical concerns linked to fast fashion.

“SHEIN not only takes advantage of lower-class individuals and children for cheap labour, but also uproots the planet with its constant replenishing of clothes and trends,” she said.

Botero encouraged consumers to rewear clothing, learn basic sewing skills and make environmentally conscious shopping choices, stressing that individual actions can still make a difference despite the dominance of major global brands.