Following the recent TikTok ban legislation, U.S. government officials are now setting their sights on Chinese-made WiFi routers, particularly those manufactured by TP-Link, citing national security concerns.
Congressional leaders are pushing for a ban on TP-Link routers within the next year, warning that these devices could be exploited by China to launch cyberattacks on U.S. infrastructure and collect sensitive information from American homes and businesses.
The concern stems from TP-Link's dominant market position, controlling approximately 65% of the U.S. router market. The company's products are consistently listed as "best sellers" on Amazon, with popular models available for under $100.
Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, a key figure in the TikTok ban effort, has raised alarms about potential vulnerabilities in these devices. "The PRC has every intent to collect data on Americans, and they will. Why give them another backdoor?" said Krishnamoorthi, who advocates for removing these routers from government facilities and advises against their use in homes.
Security experts point to unencrypted communications as a major vulnerability. Matt Radolec, vice president at security company Varonis, explains that while banking information might be encrypted, other personal data passing through these routers could be at risk.
TP-Link has responded to these concerns by emphasizing that U.S. market products are sold through TP-Link Systems, a separately owned company based in California that manufactures routers in Vietnam. The company states it is actively working with the U.S. government to demonstrate its security practices and commitment to addressing national security risks.
If implemented, experts suggest the ban would likely begin with federal and defense sectors before potentially expanding to consumer markets. The situation mirrors the 2020 Huawei equipment ban, which required companies to remove Chinese-made network equipment deemed a security threat.
As discussions continue, cybersecurity professionals advise consumers to be mindful of their router choices and understand the implications for personal privacy. The potential ban represents another chapter in the ongoing scrutiny of Chinese technology in American markets.