The US government has banned new foreign-made consumer internet routers to address national security concerns. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) added all non-US-made routers to its list of equipment deemed insecure.
Malicious actors have exploited vulnerabilities in these routers, leading to attacks on American households, disrupting networks, and facilitating espionage and intellectual property theft. Foreign manufacturers, such as China-based TP-Link, face stricter approval requirements before selling their products in the US.
Companies must now apply for conditional approval, disclosing foreign investors or influence, and committing to manufacturing in the US. Certain routers may be exempt if deemed acceptable by the Department of Defense or Homeland Security. The FCC’s move follows a decision that internet routers pose unacceptable risks to the US, including potential impacts on the supply chain and infrastructure.
The ban affects most Internet routers, even those designed in the US but built abroad. However, Elon Musk’s SpaceX has an exception with its Starlink WiFi router, made in Texas.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c74787w149zo