U.S. considers banning Chinese TP-Link routers.
The next Trump administration could take action in the coming year.
U.S. authorities are assessing the possibility of banning TP-Link brand routers due to national security concerns, as multiple links between the company and cyberattacks originating from China have been reported. According to reports, investigators from the Departments of Commerce, Defense, and Justice have initiated inquiries into the company, and it has been indicated that TP-Link has received subpoenas from an office within the Department of Commerce.
Everything suggests that the ban on the sale of TP-Link routers in the country could take effect next year. If this action materializes, it would be the responsibility of the incoming Trump administration. Currently, TP-Link controls approximately 65% of the router market in homes and small businesses in the United States, and its internet communication products are used by the Department of Defense and various government agencies. The company’s appeal to consumers lies in the low cost of its routers.
On the other hand, the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating whether TP-Link is marketing products at prices below their production cost, which could violate a regulation prohibiting monopolistic behavior. Additionally, reports mention that TP-Link frequently does not resolve security vulnerabilities identified in the routers shipped to customers. In October, Microsoft revealed the existence of a network of compromised networking devices, mostly manufactured by TP-Link, that are being regularly targeted by a hacking campaign linked to the Chinese government.
An unidentified spokesperson for TP-Link's California division stated that the company continually assesses potential security risks and takes measures to address known vulnerabilities. Furthermore, they expressed that they are open to collaborating with the U.S. government to demonstrate that their security practices meet industry standards and their ongoing commitment to the U.S. market, consumers in the country, and mitigating risks to national security.