Nelson Introduces Bill to Protect PA from Foreign AI
Rep. Napoleon Nelson March 19, 2025 | 9:30 AM
HARRISBURG, March 19 – State Rep. Napoleon Nelson is spearheading a bipartisan initiative to safeguard Pennsylvania’s government systems from the risks posed by foreign adversary-controlled artificial intelligence and is circulating a co-sponsorship memorandum for legislation that would protect state data and information technology infrastructure from these growing threats.
Artificial intelligence platforms have proven effective in numerous public and private sector applications, often relying on vast amounts of proprietary data to optimize decision-making, enhance operational efficiency, and facilitate complex processes. However, when these AI platforms are developed and controlled by foreign adversaries, such data becomes a potential weapon in the hands of those who seek to exploit it for malicious purposes. Contracts, financial records, and personal or corporate documents used by state agencies could be manipulated, contributing to harmful disinformation, unauthorized data collection, and the compromise of both commonwealth and national security.
“Securing the integrity of Pennsylvania’s data is critical,” said Nelson, who serves on the House Communications and Technology Committee. “Allowing foreign adversary-controlled AI into our state-owned systems is a risk we cannot afford. This legislation will ensure that we protect sensitive information and technology infrastructure, safeguarding the privacy of Pennsylvanians and our state’s security.”
The proposed bill would prohibit the use or possession of unauthorized foreign adversary-controlled AI platforms on all state-owned electronic devices. Additionally, individuals would be prohibited from accessing or attempting to access such AI platforms through any state-owned wireless network. Nelson’s bill comes at a time when national security concerns about foreign AI influence continue to rise.
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who recently banned the Chinese AI app DeepSeek from Treasury devices, strongly supports Nelson’s legislation.
“I applaud Rep. Nelson for sponsoring legislation to help protect state assets from the Chinese Communist Party,” Garrity stated. “I am deeply concerned about the risks of sensitive data being accessed by bad actors, which is why I took swift action to ban foreign-owned AI from Treasury devices. I strongly support this effort to do the same across state government.”
Nelson’s proposed legislation joins a movement that is emerging at the national level as well. U.S. Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ05) and Darin LaHood (R-IL16) have been vocal about the need for states to take similar actions and are working to introduce legislation at the federal level to address the growing risks of foreign adversary-controlled AI.
“By using DeepSeek, users are unknowingly sharing highly sensitive, proprietary information with the CCP — such as contracts, documents and financial records,” Gottheimer and LaHood wrote. “In the wrong hands, this data is an enormous asset to the CCP, a known foreign adversary. The CCP has made it abundantly clear that it will exploit any tool at its disposal to undermine our national security, spew harmful disinformation, and collect data on Americans. The U.S. has been a leader in raising concerns on companies tied to the CCP, most notably Huawei and Byte Dance, that pose a direct threat to our national security. Now, we have deeply disturbing evidence that the CCP could use DeepSeek to steal the sensitive data of U.S. citizens.”
Nelson’s measure has yet to be assigned a bill number or committee.
Nelson represents the 154th Legislative District comprised of Cheltenham, Jenkintown and Springfield in Montgomery County.
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CONTACT: Ryan Bevitz
House Democratic Communications Office
Phone: 717-787-7895
Email: rbevitz@pahouse.net
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