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U.S. bans import of all newly manufactured consumer Wi-Fi routers from abroad following security concerns

7 unique / 8 total | Updated 6h ago | Created 9h ago
USA TECHNOLOGY
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On March 24, the United States FCC announced a ban on importing new foreign-made consumer internet devices to address rising cybersecurity threats linked to spyware found in router firmware used by millions across America's infrastructure; while this restriction targets all non-U.S.-origin routers regardless of brand or manufacturer including Apple and Google products that may have been affected earlier due to similar vulnerabilities, the agency specifically exempted Nest Wifi units from these new import restrictions.

Key Points

  1. 1
    The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has banned imports of all new consumer-grade internet and Wi-Fi routers manufactured outside the United States.
  2. 2
    This ban is justified by concerns over national security, citing fears regarding Chinese spies and botnets following a surge in foreign brand market share during the pandemic.
  3. 3
    While most non-US devices are restricted under this rule, specific exceptions exist for certain manufacturers or products that may receive exemptions similar to previous drone bans.

Developments

2024-03-24 The FCC officially announced the ban on new foreign-made consumer routers, citing national security risks and cybersecurity threats nationwide. This update was made to a list of equipment deemed not secure enough for use.
Dec 1970 (Contextual Reference) The FCC previously banned the importation of all future drones manufactured in foreign countries unless their makers obtained an exemption, setting a precedent cited by regulators regarding consumer networking gear. Note: The article excerpts reference 'In December' without specifying year; context implies recent past relative to March 24 announcement.
United States FCC bans import of all new foreign-made consumer routers
Appleinsider Wesley Hilliard <[email protected]> 9h ago
US bans new foreign-made consumer internet routers
Feeds.bbci.co.uk 10h ago
The US just banned foreign-made Wi-Fi routers, but your Nest Wifi is safe
9to5google Ben Schoon 12h ago

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) banned the import and sale of Wi-Fi routers manufactured outside the United States due to national security risks associated with foreign-made cyberattacks on American infrastructure. While existing U.S.-authorized home networks remain unaffected from this ban, it significantly restricts access to major global brands like TP-Link because most popular models are produced overseas in China rather than domestically.

FCC bans new foreign-made routers over rising US cybersecurity threats nationwide - Interesting Engineering
News.google.com 12h ago
The US government just banned consumer routers made outside the US 🙃
The Verge Tom Warren 12h ago

The FCC has banned future imports of consumer networking gear made outside the United States due to alleged national security risks. While existing authorized devices can continue operating or importing under specific conditions, new foreign-made router manufacturers must either secure conditional approval for US entry while committing to open up manufacturing in America or cease selling products there entirely.