Protecting state and local government systems and data from foreign entities

Senate Bill 694 prohibits state agency employees (except law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity) from using or downloading social media, applications, or AI tools owned by entities in designated "foreign countries of concern" on state-owned or leased devices. It bans access to websites of such foreign-owned platforms and prohibits the use of any software or AI algorithms from these entities. Exceptions include written waivers approved by the Secretary of State for specific job duties. The bill directly affects all state agency staff using government devices and aims to prevent foreign entities from accessing state systems or citizen data through these technologies.