U.S. authorities are looking into whether a popular router made by the Chinese company TP-Link poses a national security risk. The Commerce, Defense, and Justice departments have launched investigations into TP-Link due to concerns about cyberattacks. This could lead to a potential ban on the sale of TP-Link routers in the U.S.
TP-Link holds a significant share of the U.S. market for home and small business routers and is also used by federal government agencies like the Defense Department and NASA. There are over 300 internet providers in the U.S. that distribute TP-Link routers to customers.
If a ban is imposed, it would be the largest removal of Chinese telecom equipment from the U.S. since restrictions were placed on Huawei Technologies. TP-Link routers, such as the AX3000 model, are popular best sellers on Amazon.
There have been concerns raised about the security of TP-Link routers, with reports of cyberattacks originating from networks of these routers. TP-Link has tried to distance itself from China by relocating its headquarters to California. The company’s routers are significantly cheaper than competitors, leading to scrutiny from the Justice Department over potential violations of federal laws.
The company selling TP-Link routers in the U.S. has expressed willingness to engage with the government to address security concerns. There has been support for investigating TP-Link, with calls for action to address the use of Chinese routers in global networks.
Any decision regarding TP-Link will likely be made by the incoming president, Donald Trump, who has shown a tough stance on China. With the appointment of China hawks to his Cabinet, the new administration is expected to take a strong approach towards Beijing.
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