While the focus on banning TikTok has intensified discussions surrounding Chinese influence in U.S. technology, another concern has emerged regarding the potential threats posed by certain consumer electronics.
Specifically, TP-Link, a leading brand of routers sold on Amazon, is facing scrutiny from regulatory bodies over security vulnerabilities that could jeopardize American infrastructure.
According to CNBC, Experts fear that these devices may be exploited by malicious actors to carry out attacks on critical systems or compromise sensitive information.
Last summer, Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and John Moolenaar (R-MI) addressed a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce highlighting these issues.
Their correspondence, reported by the Wall Street Journal, raised alarms over “unusual vulnerabilities” found in TP-Link routers and the implications of compliance with Chinese law.
The letter noted the potential risk presented by the use of small office/home office (SOHO) routers in extensive cyberattacks against the United States, emphasizing the need for caution.
Despite these concerns, no concrete actions have been implemented to address the situation. Rep. Krishnamoorthi expressed apprehension about the lack of a plan to eliminate these routers from the market, referencing the government’s previous “rip and replace” strategy utilized against Huawei network equipment.
In 2020, the government mandated that companies eliminate Huawei devices due to national security risks, and efforts for their removal are still underway.
“Congressman Krishnamoorthi has indicated that he is not aware of any plans to extricate the implicated entities from their current situation.
He referenced the government’s ‘rip and replace’ initiative concerning Huawei network equipment as a potential model for future actions.
In 2020, the government mandated that organizations eliminate Huawei equipment, which was identified as a national security risk. Efforts to remove this equipment are still underway.
Based on data he referenced, TP-Link commands a 65% share of the United States router market.
The company’s success appears to follow a strategy historically employed by China in the technology sector: producing surplus products to export at lower prices, thereby undercutting competition, while seeking potential backdoor access to technology for disruptive purposes.
“I am contemplating whether a similar approach should be adopted, particularly concerning national security agencies, the Department of Defense, and Intelligence,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi remarked.
“It is illogical for the United States government to procure routers that are associated with hacks targeting European officials and the Typhoon Volt incidents.”
You shouldn’t use WiFi anyway. It’s bad for your health.
They love to do this. It’s very Bernaysian the way they tell you “Uh oh! It’s going to be banned! Better react!”
Just like they said they were going to ban gas stoves. We all love our gas stoves, but your gas stove puts so much CO2 into your house it’s a large part of why people get sick in the winter.
CO2 outside? 100% GOOD for the planet, just so nobody thinks this is a “greenie rant”, it isn’t. I’m PRO-CO2, because it feeds the world.
But in your house, high levels of CO2 cause acute onset acidosis, which you all have been fooled into thinking is some “virus”. It’s not. It’s CO2 and the deleterious effect it has on your health.
They always tell you something is going to be BANNED so you DEMAND TO HAVE IT.
They always tell you this about something BAD FOR YOU.
Let them ban WiFi routers. They’re bad for us. We can live without.